“JCC athletics is always looking to do what is best for our student-athletes and Jamestown Community College as a whole. There is a massive interest in hockey in and around Jamestown, so the choice to add the program was an easy one,” said Athletic Director George Sisson.

The inaugural season for the Jayhawks will be the 2024-25 year, starting in the fall. Jamestown will be part of the Upstate New York Collegiate Hockey League, a league comprised of small colleges and universities in New York that has expanded to Pennsylvania and Vermont. The team will host its home games out of Northwest Arena located in downtown Jamestown.

“To be able to start a new program and immediately have them playing in one of the best barns in the league is a huge selling point for our coaches, players, alumni and fans. We look forward to bringing exciting college hockey to Jamestown. This area eats, sleeps and breathes the sport. It will be a great fit in Northwest Arena,” added Sisson.

JCC will be coached by Tommy Gerace and assisted by his father, Joe Gerace. The Gerace name is ingrained in the hockey community in Western New York, with Tommy bringing his 23 years of playing experience and 10 years of coaching experience to the bench. Gerace, a former JCC Jayhawk himself, won a varsity New York state championship in 2018 as a player and will add that leadership to the upstart program.

Tommy Gerace, left, is the head coach of the new JCC hockey team while Joe Gerace will serve as assistant coach.

“I’m beyond excited for the introduction of JCC’s first-ever hockey program. I know how much hockey is loved and desired in our area, and with the Jayhawks, we’re aiming to create a sustainable team that our community can rally behind. We’ll also provide a new avenue for students to pursue a college education. Bringing hockey to JCC is something I’ve wanted to see happen for a long time, and now that it’s here, the excitement level is indescribable,” said Tommy Gerace.

Jayhawks hockey will compile its inaugural roster in the coming months, with practice start times and game schedules set to come out later this year. If you are interested in more information about JCC ice hockey, please contact head coach Tommy Gerace at 716-499-4172 or Gerace17@hotmail.com.