The LESA Difference: What sets us apart.

A New Era of Hockey Excellence in Erie

Welcome to a groundbreaking partnership in youth sports, where the Lake Erie Sports Alliance (LESA) and LECOM Sports Park redefine hockey programming in the Erie region. This unique collaboration marks a significant investment in the future of hockey, ensuring that participants receive the highest level of coaching and program development available.

Professional Leadership

At the heart of our approach is the appointment of a full-time, salaried hockey professional hired by the LECOM Sports Park. The LECOM Sports Park Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hockey Operations and Coaching Developing, Chris Hartsburg, overseas all hockey operations, coaching development, and strategic partnerships. The CEO is entrusted with recruiting and supervising highly competent hockey coaches for the youth program. Collaborating with key stakeholders, the CEO will share best practice throughout our programing while prioritizing the best interests of all parents and athletes in our programs. The primary objective of the CEO is to ensure the development of EVERY individual at our ice rink. Our focus isn't solely on teams; it's about ensuring that every person who enters LECOM Sports Park feels valued, and their player's progress is of utmost importance.This strategic move guarantees an unparalleled level of service and expertise in our region.

Commitment to Excellence

Our model prioritizes professionalism and consistency, setting a new standard for youth sports. With the guidance of our CEO and their handpicked team, every element of our program—from training methodologies to customer service—is meticulously crafted to meet the highest standards. This ensures that families know exactly the quality and value they are receiving, fostering trust and long-term engagement. Lake Erie Sports Alliance does not handle your financial transactions. At LECOM Sports Park, our commitment is to provide you with the most competitive pricing and the best programming available in the region. If you have a question or encounter any issues, rest assured that you won't be reaching out to a volunteer; you'll be contacting a dedicated, full-time customer service advocate who genuinely cares about your love for hockey and your overall experience. Because, without you, there is no "us"!

Equitable Opportunities

LESA's role transcends traditional sports programming by focusing our efforts on the philanthropic efforts to expand access to ice sports in Erie. Additionally, we serve as a checks and balances entity to ensure that LECOM Sports Park maintains the highest level of service in accordance with the standards established by licensing with USA Hockey and USA Learn to Skate. LESA is committed to fairness and inclusivity, offering scholarships and fundraising support to ensure that all aspiring athletes have the opportunity to participate, regardless of their financial background.

Direct Access and Support

Understanding the importance of clear communication and support, all programming inquiries, payments, and concerns are directly managed by the LECOM Sports Park CEO and their professional team. The LESA team will be on hand to help you design and execute fundraising and outreach opportunities! This streamlined approach not only enhances customer service but also ensures that participants and their families have a reliable point of contact for all their needs.

Community and Philanthropy

The Lake Erie Sports Alliance Board plays a vital role in our ecosystem, offering guidance and resources to families within the program. Our commitment to community engagement and philanthropy is unwavering, as we strive to make hockey accessible to everyone in Erie and foster a culture of giving back.