The 2022 Winter Olympic Games begin on Thursday, February 3, 2022 in Beijing, China and this year’s games will have a local connection.

Alex Dawes, a graduate of Proctor High School and Utica College, will be the video coach for the United States men’s hockey team at the Olympics.

This is Dawes’ first time being on the USA Hockey Team’s staff for the Olympics.

New York State and Central New York have produced many Winter Olympians over the years.

Erin Hamlin

Remsen's Erin Hamlin is a four-time Olympian and was the first American luger to medal at any Winter Olympics, winning the Bronze Medal at the 2014 games in Sochi, Russia.

Erin was the flag-bearer for Team USA for the opening ceremonies at the 2018 games in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

2018 Winter Olympic Games - Opening Ceremony
Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Rob Esche

Utica Comets President Robert Esche of Whitesboro played eight seasons in the National Hockey League with the Philadelphia Flyers and Phoenix Coyotes.

Esche was named to the 2006 US Men's Olympic Hockey Team in Turin, Italy and played one game in the Olympic tournament, losing 5–4 to Russia..

Philadelphia Flyers v New York Islanders
Photo Credit: Jim McIssac, Getty Images
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Val Bialas

Val Bialas of Utica was an American speed skater who competed in the 1924, 1928 and 1932 Winter Olympics.

He was inducted into the Speed Skating Hall of Fame in May of 1963. The Val Bialas Ski Center on the Parkway in Utica bears his name.

Utica Olmsted Parks.org.
Utica Olmsted Parks.org.
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Maddie Phaneuf

Maddie Phaneuf of Old Forge was a member of the biathlon team at the 2018 games in Pyeongchang but did not compete.

Previews - Winter Olympics Day -2
Photo Credit: Quinn Rooney, Getty Images
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Bonnie Blair and Debi Thomas

Other noted Winter Olympians from New York state included speed skater Bonnie Blair of Cornwall and figure skater Debi Thomas of Poughkeepsie, who was the first African-American athlete to win a winter medal.

Here are seven Winter Olympians with New York ties.

Former Winter Olympians From New York

New York State has been represented well in the Winter Olympic Games, from Remsen's Erln Hamlin to Val Bialas of Utica. Here are seven former Olympians with New York ties

The United States is ranked second behind Norway for the most Winter Olympics Gold Medals.

Butterfly Camp on Wolf Road, Tupper Lake, NY

The beautiful Butterfly Camp on Wolf Road in Tupper Lake can be yours for $2.5 million. The 14-bedroom camp was featured in "House Beautiful" and "Country Living" magazines and is located in the Adirondack Park.

The Summer Camp has a log cabin with exposed log beams, a stone fireplace and 2 screened porches and includes a summer sleeping cottage, gazebo, greenhouse and a 3-slip boathouse.


Millers Mills Ice Harvest Through The Years

The Millers Mills Ice Harvest is a year tradition many families in Central New York take part in each year. Take a look at the pictures yourself and make this YOUR new family tradition.

Volunteers Build Famous Saranac Lake Ice Palace

100 volunteers have started building the famous Ice Palace for the annual Saranac Lake Winter Carnival running February 3-14, 2022.

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