The Utica Comets have launched a free hockey camp for young players in Oneida County, scheduled to take place at the Utica University Nexus Center from August 19th to 22nd. Known as the Rob Esche Free Hockey School, this four-day program welcomes players of all skill levels and provides a rare chance to receive coaching from elite instructors and former professional hockey players. The camp is named after Robert Esche, a former NHL goalie and current president of the Utica Comets.
Esche, who played in the NHL with the Phoenix Coyotes and Philadelphia Flyers from 1998 to 2012, is spearheading efforts to expand hockey in Oneida County. Utica, the county seat, is home to the Utica Comets, the American Hockey League affiliate of the New Jersey Devils.
Announced on July 22, 2025, the camp is free and open to Oneida County residents, with registrations already accepted. Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picanto Jr. emphasized that the program offers elite coaching and mentorship, alongside role models demonstrating that big dreams can begin right at home.
The camp caters to players in the mites, squirts, and peewee categories, with a coaching roster featuring NHL veterans, college coaches, and local hockey leaders. The coaching team includes notable names such as Robert Esche, Tom Sestito, Mike Zalewski, Ryan Parent, and more.
Esche highlighted the significance of the event, praising the Nexus Center’s top-tier ice facilities and the opportunity for local youth to learn from seasoned professionals. This camp promises to inspire young athletes and highlight the burgeoning hockey culture within the region.
Photo Credit: © Daniel Deloach / Utica Observer-Dispatch / USA Today Network
Fan Take: This initiative is a huge win for hockey fans, as it nurtures grassroots talent and fosters a deeper connection to the sport in an area rich with hockey history. By offering free access to top-level coaching, it could help produce the next generation of hockey stars from Oneida County, strengthening the sport’s future.
