NORFOLK, Neb. -- The game of hockey is one that is not commonly played in northeast Nebraska. The best chance of catching a game in the state is heading down to the metro area or heading across the border to South Dakota. However, one Norfolk resident has made it his mission to find the next Connor McDavid in northeast Nebraska.

Steve Geary started playing hockey in his backyard in Norfolk with his brother as a kid.

He grew up a Boston Bruins fan, idolizing Hall-of-Famer Phil Esposito.

For about 20 years, he played men's league in Sioux City, Iowa.

And there's nothing more he enjoys doing than playing the game of hockey.

"To me it's the funnest sport that has ever been made. It's a blast," Geary said. "You can't run as fast as you can on skates, so the speed of the game is what's so much fun. I just wish someone would've done this for us when we were kids."

Since the first week of June, Geary has been hosting a hockey program for children every Monday afternoon in Norfolk at the tennis courts across from the street from the Johnny Carson Theater.

This was week number five of the class.

"I can really see the improvement. Back-and-forth passing, they are starting to understand the give-and-goes and things like that," Geary said. "Their skating ability is getting better, their shooting ability is getting better. Overall, they've improved a bunch."

Geary started instructing classes after raising $15,000 for a new outdoor ice rink to be installed at Johnson Park.

He said that in the warmer months, the rink will be used for roller hockey so the game can be played all year round.

Geary said he would need around 25 players to potentially start a travel team to compete with clubs from the Metro and Yankton areas.

But, he has a bigger milestone in mind.

"I want 100 kids in this program next year, that's my goal," Geary said.

Geary has been recruiting kids at schools around Norfolk and has had an increase in students.

Monday, the kids worked on skating, shooting, and passing.

So how's that quest for finding the next McDavid?

"How's the search for him, eh? It's gonna be a while. I have got a couple of them showing some signs, but they need a little more practice," Geary said.

To sign your child up for the hockey program, you can send an email to [email protected].