EXCLUSIVE: Ukrainian Hockey Camp and Cultural Exchange Returning to Erie

Last summer, Erie News Now brought you exclusive coverage of the 2023 Ukrainian Hockey Camp and Cultural Exchange.

"Last year went really smoothly for us," said Camp Coordinator Brendan Sellan, also a former Erie Otters player.

For a second time, the annual camp is returning to Erie on Monday, June 24, which has been a month-long planning process for Sellan.

"As many as we can bring over. That's what we want to do," Sellan said.

The agenda is jam-packed with hockey tournaments, including the favorite bubble soccer and splash lagoon activities.

"I think the biggest thing for us was kind of getting them into some competition with north American teams," Sellan said.

This year, 10 billet families have already volunteered to give the 12 to 14-year-old athletes a place to stay.

"It means a ton. Last year we were kind of scrambling," Sellan said. "We couldn't be more gracious [to] them."

Not only will this year's camp include over 20 Ukrainians, but there will also be several Romanians and even north americans, with some players traveling as far as Washington D.C. and British Columbia."

"Well for me, it's kind of just been gathering information," said Chris Hartsburg, General Manager of LECOM Sports Park.

This is Hartsburg's first go-around collaborating with Sellan to prepare for the month-long project.

"I think it's fun just getting something that's been talked about for so long in motion," Hartsburg said.

He realizes, however, the importance of providing a safe place to play hockey, especially during a time of war and fear for many of these Ukrainian kids coming to the States.

"We're bringing these young kids over from a war-torn country, " Hartsburg said. "I think giving them an experience that they're going to remember, they're going to enjoy and just kind of taking their mind off everything that's happening overseas right now."

Organizers are still searching for a couple more billet families to house athletes. If you are interested in becoming a billet family or have any questions about the camp, Sellan says to contact him at 814-923-6946.