About Us
Youth Sport Projects, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and advancing youth hockey by creating opportunities for young athletes to grow, compete, and develop both on and off the ice.
Our mission is to:
Support the development and growth of youth hockey players through comprehensive coaching, competitive opportunities, and access to quality resources, including training, facilities, travel, and experienced coaches.
Youth Sport Projects, Inc. operates as a nonprofit organization and relies on the generosity of donors, sponsors, and community supporters to help fund youth hockey programs, ice time, equipment assistance, player development opportunities, and other initiatives that benefit young athletes and their families.
Donor contributions may be eligible for applicable tax benefits.
Why choose us
We believe that youth sports play an important role in personal development and in strengthening communities, and we are committed to providing programs that encourage growth, dedication, and excellence.
Through our hockey initiatives, we strive to create an environment where young athletes can challenge themselves, develop their abilities, and reach their full potential while enjoying the game they love.
Youth Sport Projects programs are designed for players who already have basic skating skills and are ready to begin their hockey development. Participants should be comfortable skating independently, maintaining balance on the ice, and using a hockey stick during practices and drills.
Our programs are intended for children who have completed an introductory hockey program, such as Cross Ice, and are prepared to continue developing their hockey skills in a structured team environment.
Note:
If your child has little or no skating experience, we recommend starting with beginner development programs at Atlanta Ice House. Their Learn to Skate (https://atlantaicehouse.com ) and Cross Ice (https://atlantaicehouse.com/learntoplaycrossice/) programs provide the foundation young players need before joining Youth Sport Projects programs.
Atlanta Ice House staff can help determine the appropriate starting level and guide your child through the first steps of learning to skate and play hockey.
Try hockey for free
The Madhatters Youth Hockey Club and the Atlanta Ice House Arena are excited to offer USA Hockey Try Hockey for Free and G.O.A.L. (GO OUT AND PLAY) Events.
- Ages 4 & Up
- Registration is first come-first served, online or in-person day of!
The USA Hockey Try Hockey For Free and G.O.A.L. (GO OUT AND PLAY) Events are designed to provide kids a completely free experience to try youth ice hockey. Equipment is available to borrow and coaches will be on the ice to assist your child in learning the basics.
Your child does not need any previous skating or hockey experience.
House League
Our House League is the stage where young players begin to experience real team hockey.
All practices and games take place right here at our arena, creating a fun, supportive environment close to home. Teams compete with other local clubs, so there’s no need for long trips or travel, just great hockey every week.
This is where players learn teamwork, discipline, and game strategy while continuing to improve their skating and puck-handling skills. Our experienced and passionate coaches work with every child, helping them grow in confidence and skill on and off the ice.
We welcome boys and girls of all ages, from 8U to 18U, and match players by skill level to ensure a positive and challenging experience for everyone. If your child dreams of playing competitive hockey, House League is the perfect foundation before moving on to Travel League. We’re dedicated to teaching the game the right way - with heart, energy, and a true love for hockey.
Travel League
Our Travel League is where dedication meets opportunity, the next level for players ready to take their hockey journey beyond home ice. These teams compete against top programs across neighboring states, giving young athletes valuable experience in a true competitive environment.
We offer age divisions at 10U, 12U, 14U, and 16U, each guided by elite coaches who bring years of professional experience to the ice. The program is supervised by a former NHL player who oversees training and development to ensure every athlete reaches their full potential. Practices are intense and purposeful, focusing on advanced skills, strategy, and teamwork. Players learn what it means to prepare, compete, and represent their team with pride, both on and off the ice.
For families who want their child to grow as a player and as a person, our Travel League provides the best pathway forward. Join us, challenge yourself, and take the next step toward true hockey excellence.
Donate now
Thank You for Supporting Our Team!
Every contribution helps young hockey players move closer to their goals and dreams
Coaches
Coach Yan Kaminsky
Youth Hockey Director
Coach Yan leads the Madhatters as one of the most experienced player development coaches in the Southeast. With over 20 years of coaching and leading youth teams aged 12-18 to multiple national championships and advancing countless players to the highest levels of hockey in the country, Coach Yan’s professional playing career includes an induction into the Russian Hockey Hall of Fame, two gold and one silver medal, a World Championship with the Russian National Team, and a successful NHL career with the Winnipeg Jets and the New York Islanders after being drafted 99th overall in the 1991 NHL Draft.
Coach Owen Clark
Goaltending coach
Goaltending coach Owen Clark, a native of Oakville, Ontario, played AAA hockey locally and attended prep school at Cushing Academy, where he trained exclusively under Brian Daccord of Stop It Goaltending. After junior, he completed his freshman year at Miami of Ohio before a career-ending foot injury. Coach Owen is committed to raising the level of goaltending in Atlanta and developing, mentoring, and advancing goalies to the next level. He credits his knowledge to a wide array of top-flight goalie coaches, which also includes four years at Jon Elkin Goalie School in Toronto. He is excited to share his knowledge and passion for the position to make Atlanta a hotbed of goaltending talent.
Our Reviews
John M.
Parent (House League)
My son absolutely loves playing in the House League. The coaches are patient, positive, and truly care about every player’s growth. We’ve seen huge improvement in his skills and confidence and he can’t wait to come to every practice.
Sarah L.
Parent (Travel Team)
Our experience with the Travel Program has been incredible. The level of coaching and organization is top-notch, and the players are constantly challenged to improve. It’s amazing to watch my child grow as both an athlete and a teammate.