G2H Foundation donates to Long Beach ice arena

Gerrin Hagen, a lifelong hockey and lacrosse player from Long Beach, died a year and a half ago, after a tragic skateboarding accident. On Jan. 12, 2023, after finishing his classes at Nassau BOCES’ Joseph M. Barry Career and Technical Education Center in Westbury, Hagwas riding his skateboard along Cantiague Lane in Hicksville when a Honda SUV struck him. He was rushed to a hospital and initially listed in critical condition, but died the following day.

A candlelight vigil the day after his death, outside Long Beach’s Municipal Ice Arena, now known as the Emile Francis Memorial Ice Arena, drew a large crowd of community members.

In his memory, Hagen’s family established the nonprofit G2H Foundation — his initials and hockey jersey number — in March 2023. It is dedicated to supporting school, sports and service scholarships, and collaborating with athletic programs and community organizations to provide financial assistance and promote a “team first” attitude.

At the June 18 City Council meeting, the city accepted a $10,000 donation from the foundation for new Zamboni gate doors at the ice arena, on West Bay Drive.

The facility is open year-round, and offers public skating sessions, instruction, youth and adult hockey programs as well as freestyle sessions for figure skaters.

“Through tragedy, a foundation comes through like this, and for the community to support G2H, and G2H to support us back, is just incredible, and a big thank-you,” Councilman Mike Reinhart said at the meeting. “It’s something the ice rink needed, and they will continue to support the community, and we will continue to support them.”

The foundation also supports community-based charities, families in need and first responder-related causes. According to its website, its volunteers honor Hagen’s spirit by serving with kindness, compassion, confidence and friendship.

“We lost Gerrin Hagan only a year ago in a tragic accident,” Reinhart said “And what this foundation has already accomplished is truly remarkable.”

On April 6, the second annual Gerrin Hagen Memorial Hockey Day, attracted hundreds of participants to the ice arena. After last year’s successful inaugural event, The G2H Foundation, in collaboration with the FDNY Hockey Team Fundraiser Series and the City of Long Beach, welcomed back hockey enthusiasts of all ages.

The day began with a morning clinic for younger players, coached by members of the Farmingdale State College hockey team. Afterward, the Nassau County Police Department hockey team faced off against the Toronto Fire hockey club — with County Legislator Pat Mullaney ceremonially dropping the first puck — followed by a game between the New York City Fire Department team and the Long Beach Guardians club. The games were livestreamed by Long Island Sports Network, and remain available for viewing on the network’s YouTube channel.

In addition to the new Zamboni doors, thanks to the foundation, the rink is undergoing several other upgrades as well. New safety netting is being installed, the arena’s interior is getting a fresh coat of paint, and a new sheet of ice was in early June. The city was aiming to reopen the facility by July 1, if not sooner.