Sacred Youth Hockey Association demands equitable ice time from Idaho Falls city council

The Idaho Falls City Council meeting held on August 28, 2025, featured significant discussions regarding the allocation of resources at the local ice arena, primarily raised by representatives from the Sacred Youth Hockey Association (SYHA). The meeting began with SYHA President addressing the council, accompanied by several members, to express their concerns about perceived inequities in ice time and facility access.

The SYHA emphasized their appreciation for the partnership with the city and the importance of the ice arena for youth sports. However, they raised alarms about what they described as preferential treatment given to the Idaho Falls Youth Hockey Association (IFYHA). According to SYHA, 90% of the prime after-school ice time—17 out of 20 hours weekly—has been allocated to IFYHA, leaving no available slots for other organizations. This allocation was highlighted as a significant barrier for families who rely on affordable access to hockey programs.

In addition to ice time concerns, SYHA representatives pointed out issues regarding facility access and storage. They noted that IFYHA has unrestricted access to the arena and occupies most of the available storage space without any associated costs, while other organizations, including SYHA, must rent private storage, increasing their operational costs.

Stacy Martin, a board member of both the SYHA and the figure skating organization, echoed these sentiments, advocating for fair and transparent access to resources for all youth sports groups. She emphasized the importance of modeling values such as respect and equity for the children involved in these programs.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for further public comments, but no additional speakers came forward. The SYHA representatives expressed hope that the council would take their concerns seriously and work towards a more equitable allocation of resources at the ice arena, ensuring that all youth sports organizations have fair opportunities to thrive. The council's response to these concerns remains to be seen, as the discussions highlighted a growing need for transparency and fairness in the management of community resources.