Jul 23, 2025
UTICA, NY — Young hockey players in Oneida County now have the opportunity to learn from some of the region’s most accomplished players and coaches as the Rob Esche Free Hockey School returns to the Utica University Nexus Center this August.
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“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 in Oneida County, 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 Rob Esche Free Hockey School is a perfect example of how the Nexus Center is delivering on its promise to inspire and uplift our youth through sports,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “This camp not only gives Oneida County youth access to elite coaching and mentorship—it gives them role models who prove that big dreams can start right here in our own backyard. I’m proud to support opportunities like this that strengthen our community and invest in our future.”
The camp is led by an all-star cast of local coaches who have played and coached at elite levels, including college hockey, the AHL, NHL, and professional leagues across North America and Europe. These individuals have deep roots in Central New York and understand what it takes to succeed — and now they’re giving back to the next generation.
2025 Coaching Roster:
Robert Esche – Philadelphia Flyers and Arizona Coyotes Alum, Former Olympian
Tom Sestito – Pittsburgh Penguins, Vancouver Canucks and Philadelphia Flyers Alum
Mike Zalewski – Vancouver Canucks and Utica Comets Alum
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 University Alum, and former SPHL Most-Valuable Player
Keith Veronesi – Former Vegas Golden Knights Director of Scouting Operations, Stanley Cup Champion, Connecticut College Men’s Hockey Alum
Johnny Jackson – Utica Jr. Comets Premier Coach, Nazareth College Men’s Hockey Alum
Louis Educate – Utica Jr. Comets NCDC Coach, Utica University Men’s Hockey Alum
Nick Therrien – Goaltending Coach, Utica University…
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