The Utica Comets have announced a free hockey school for young players in Oneida County, set to take place from August 19 to August 22 at the Utica University Nexus Center.
The four-day event, officially known as the Rob Esche Free Hockey School, is open to players of all skill levels and offers a unique opportunity to learn from top-tier coaches and former professional hockey players. The camp is named after Robert Esche, former NHL goaltender and current president of the Utica Comets.
Esche, who played in the NHL from 1998 to 2012 with the Phoenix Coyotes and Philadelphia Flyers, now leads initiatives to grow the game in Oneida County. Utica, the county seat, is also home to the Utica Comets, the AHL affiliate of the New Jersey Devils.
Announced on July 22, 2025, the free camp is already accepting registrations from Oneida County residents.
“Oneida County youth will not only receive elite coaching and mentorship—they’ll get role models who prove that big dreams can start right here in our own backyard,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “I’m proud to support opportunities like this that strengthen our community and invest in our future.”
The camp will be open to three divisions: Mites, Squirts, and Peewees. The coaching lineup features a wide range of talent, including NHL alumni, college coaches, and local hockey leaders:
Coaching Staff:
- Robert Esche – Former NHL goaltender (Flyers, Coyotes), Olympian, Utica Comets President
- Tom Sestito – NHL alum (Penguins, Canucks, Flyers)
- Mike Zalewski – NHL/AHL alum (Canucks, Utica Comets)
- Ryan Parent – Utica Comets Head Coach
- Gary Heenan – Head Coach, Utica University Men’s Hockey
- Andy Starczewski – Army Men’s Hockey alum
- Adam Pawlick – Clarkson alum, former SPHL MVP
- Keith Veronesi – Former Director of Scouting, Vegas Golden Knights; Stanley Cup Champion
- Johnny Jackson – Utica Jr. Comets Premier Coach, Nazareth College alum
- Louis Educate – Utica Jr. Comets NCDC Coach, Utica University alum
- Nick Therrien – Assistant Coach, Utica University Men’s Hockey
- Rich Zalewski – SUNY Oswego alum, SPHL alum
- Annika Zalewski – Colgate Women’s Hockey alum, PWHPA alum
- Steve Zalewski – NHL alum (Devils, Sharks)
- Justin Allen – Coach, Notre Dame Academy; Utica University alum
- Melissa Lomanto – Head Coach, Utica University Women’s Hockey
- Ken Blum – OHL and ECHL alum
“This hockey school represents everything that’s possible in Oneida County because of the Nexus Center,” said Esche. “We have one of the best ice facilities in the country right here, and now our kids can learn the game we all love from people who walked in their same shoes and made it to the next level. This is about giving every young athlete a chance to grow, learn, and dream big.”
The event promises to be an inspiring experience for young athletes and a celebration of the region’s growing hockey community.
Photo Credit: © Daniel DeLoach/Utica Observer-Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
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