The Ararat Hockey Club unites Armenian youth, including Toronto's own Lucas Arabian
June was coming to an end, and the ice rink was being prepared for another tournament game in Nashville. The atmosphere was cold, but there was much warmth in the hearts of many.
The weekend of June 27, 2025, was filled with Armenian pride and camaraderie for the Ararat Hockey Club and its 14 players. This dream had been months in the making, since October of 2024, when Dallas Armenian resident Greg Dekirmenjian wanted to put together a team of like-minded and skilled players between the ages of 11 and 12 who could compete and represent our nation. Many phone calls to communities and churches were made diligently, and although this sport is a niche within our community, a head coach was found: Andy Gevorgyan from Los Angeles, who was also able to help find players and coach the group. This would be the inaugural season for this Armenian youth hockey club.
The Ararat Hocky Club and parents (photo courtesy of the author)
Now the team and tournament locations were set. The Ararat Hockey Club would compete at the Music City Cup in Nashville, Tennessee. But how would these young boys play together when most were meeting for the first time? Exactly how our ancestors accepted challenges: to rise above, persevere, and conquer, no matter what may lie ahead.
Armenian families from all over North America (Los Angeles, Boston, Dallas, Calgary, and Toronto) flew into Nashville, unaware of how the weekend would unfold. And as William Saroyan stated, “See if the race will not live again when two of them meet…" and that is precisely what happened. The families clicked, bonded, and formed friendships for a lifetime. Armenian music was played all weekend by the poolside, in the hockey rinks, and inside the hotel.
Among the players was Toronto's own Lucas Arabian, the team's goalie. "Living in Toronto, hockey has always been a big part of our lives," said his parents, Ed and Araxie Arabian. "When the opportunity arose for Lucas to be part of the Ararat Hockey team, it felt like a natural decision for our family. Being able to combine our love for the sport with our Armenian heritage made this experience incredibly meaningful. Representing our community through the Ararat team was not only a source of pride but also a way to celebrate our culture and support our son in doing what he loves."
Lucas said that he was elated to be part of an all-Armenian team as the goalie. "It was such a cool experience! I made some great friends, and I can't wait for us to play together again," he explained.
The players showed resilience during the competition and earned a spot in the championship game. Although they came up short of the gold, there was no shortage of talented plays. The boys took home silver, representing not a lost nation, but one where our last names and culture will be remembered within the hockey community. After all, who can forget the tricolour flags being waved from the bleachers and Armenian music blaring during warmups and medal presentations in country music town?
As the weekend concluded, it was evident that the goal of bringing together a group interested not only in hockey but also in their Armenian identity had been met. Parents and players lingered in front of the ice rink, unwilling to part with their new friends.
The future on the ice seems bright and cool as the Ararat Hockey Club looks forward to once again participating next summer and bringing together players and families to represent our lasting nation. ֎
