An in-house hockey league sponsored by the local branch of a Pittsburgh-area financial institution has brought University athletic officials together to instruct area youths on the finer principles of ice hockey.

The league, sponsored by the Intercollegiate Athletic Department and the University's Ice Pavilion, is directed toward children aged four to 13. The program instructs 180 youths from nearby areas and is divided into three phases that teach kids how to skate and learn the basic rules and fundamentals of hockey.

Indoor Sports Complex Director Larry Fies, Associate Athletic Director Herb Schmidt and Hockey Program Director and Coach Joe Battista initiated the program, which started in November and will continue for three, five-week sessions lasting through this month.

"(State College Department of) Parks and Recreation ran an in-house program for so many years that it got to a point where they needed help. We felt we had an advantage," Fies said, explaining the program's origins.

"We are specialists. We specialize in ice programs. We could make it a lot more affordable for the community," he said.

The programmers purchased helmets, masks and gloves with money donated from the State College Youth Hockey Association. The Ice Pavilion purchased the hockey skates.

"The Ice Pavilion made an investment in a large amount of equipment," Battista said.

Landmark Savings Association agreed to sponsor the group by buying 200 uniforms.

"They helped us super," Fies said.

Landmark Vice President William L. Campbell said he thinks the sponsorship would be an ideal opportunity for improving community relations. "The day we gave out the jerseys we got a lot of good publicity. A lot of parents came out," Campbell said.

In addition, Landmark hopes to take a more visible role during tournaments and special events.

Campbell also has a personal involvement. He has played hockey since he was five and was invited to try out for the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team. "Unfortunately, a prior injury kept me from achieving my life-long passion (the Olympics)," he said in a news release.

Campbell will help Battista coach in the program next fall.

"He's a really good coach and I hope I can learn some things from him," Campbell said of Battista.

Battista, too, is excited about the growth of the program and describes it as a "win-win situation" for everyone. "The whole emphasis is on fun and participation," he said.

Competition, Battista added, is a part of the program but is by no means emphasized.

Although the program is designed to teach the youths to learn the principles of hockey, it is not until the third phase of the program that training becomes intense.

"At that point, they have to make a decision whether or not they're going to stay with our in-house program," Battista said. "That's where we actually teach them to play hockey."

The children have shown great interest in the game and the program has been very successful, Campbell said.

"It's a credit to Joe Battista and everyone at the ice rink for getting the kids together," he said.

Battista credits the program's success to the increasing interest in hockey in the northeastern United States and the enthusiasm of the kids.

"Word of mouth has been the biggest form of advertising," he said. "Because we have done such a good job with the program . . . the word has spread."