Euclid's Panthers Name Returns to Youth Hockey After Years as Lake Erie Club

Euclid's name will be back on the jerseys next season. The Lake Erie Panthers Hockey Club will reclaim the historic Euclid Panthers name for the 2026-27 season, returning the city's identity to a youth hockey program founded here five decades ago.

"This is more than just a name change. It's a return to who we are," said Nick Komma, Hockey Director of Euclid Panthers Hockey Club.

The Euclid Youth Hockey Association was founded in Northeast Ohio in 1976 and played as the Euclid Panthers before adopting the Lake Erie Panthers name as the program expanded its reach across the region. In its April 2026 announcement, the club said the return to the Euclid Panthers will reconnect the program with its roots and honor generations of players, families and coaches.

"This is about our city, our history, and our future," Nick Komma, Hockey Director of Euclid Panthers Hockey Club, said.

A member of the Cleveland Suburban Hockey League since 1976, the club operates out of C.E. Orr Ice Arena, 22550 Milton Ave. in Euclid, under USA Hockey and the Mid-Am Hockey District.

The renewed hometown identity also comes with a call for support. The Euclid Youth Hockey Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit—independent and volunteer-driven, relying on player fees and community backing to sustain its operations. Its board includes David Swagler as President, Ali Heafke as Vice President, and Mackenzie Wallace as Treasurer.

That appeal carries particular weight in a city of approximately 48,421 residents with a median household income of $48,696, according to 2019-2023 Census estimates. By bringing back the Euclid Panthers name, the club is asking businesses and residents to invest not just in a regional hockey program, but in an institution carrying their city's identity.

The club is actively seeking sponsors at three levels. A $3,000 Jersey sponsorship includes a sponsor's name and logo on a jersey, website presence, monthly social media callouts, inclusion in print media, a dasher board sign at Euclid Arena and verbal recognition at events. A $1,500 Concessions sponsorship includes a name and logo at the concessions stand, website presence, monthly social media callouts and print media inclusion. A $500 Social Media sponsorship includes website presence and monthly social media callouts.

Community members will also have an opportunity to help through the EYHA Golf Outing fundraiser on Saturday, August 29, 2026, with a 9:00 AM shotgun start at Briardale Greens Golf Course in Euclid.

Registration costs $400 per foursome or $100 per individual golfer and includes range balls, 18 holes with a cart, a hot dog lunch, chicken dinner, door prizes and raffle opportunities. Golf outing sponsorship opportunities include a $150 hole sponsorship and a $500 beverage sponsorship. Raffle basket donations are also being accepted.

For sponsorships, donations or questions, David Swagler, President of Euclid Youth Hockey Association, can be reached at (440) 655-3725 or [email protected].

The club's official website, euclidpanthershockey.com, provides information on sponsorship levels, upcoming events and ways to get involved.