Penquis Youth Hockey Association receives $5,000 grant from Maine Community Foundation

DOVER-FOXCROFT – There’s no downtime for a small youth sports organization trying to build itself during a global pandemic. Penquis Youth Hockey Association continues to strive to raise funds to reduce the costs of local youth participating in the big game of hockey.

DOVER-FOXCROFT – There’s no downtime for a small youth sports organization trying to build itself during a global pandemic. Penquis Youth Hockey Association continues to strive to raise funds to reduce the costs of local youth participating in the big game of hockey. Recently, the association applied for a grant from the Maine Community Foundation for operational costs associated with practices and games.

The Maine Community Foundation offers a Community Development Grant each year to support projects and organizations aimed at strengthening communities. Organizations applying must meet specific criteria for investing in people by increasing skills, knowledge, capabilities and/or well-being; involve those served in the design, delivery, and/or evaluation of work as well as in strengthening community resources, including organizations, partnerships, and built and natural environments.

The Penquis Youth Hockey Association received $5,000 for operating costs, which benefits local families by reducing registration fees as well as the newly built Piscataquis County Ice Arena where the 8U team, sponsored by Northern Line Construction Inc , the DownEast Orthopedics sponsored 10U team plays as well as being home to the DownEast Orthopedics Learn to Play program.

Ice time costs are one of the largest expenses in youth hockey, requiring more than five hours of ice time each week for practices and more with games scheduled on weekends. This generous grant from the Maine Community Foundation will ensure the local arena has a stable income throughout the operating season and reduce rising costs for families associated with youth hockey.

With many people struggling in Piscataquis County, especially during the global pandemic, it is increasingly difficult for families to meet day-to-day expenses, with youth sports sadly having to take a back seat for some families. . This grant allows the association to provide families with a fun, safe, and great developmental experience for local youth who want to try hockey and compete with other hockey organizations across the state.

As the 2022-23 season approaches, the association continues to fundraise for other expenses including tournament fees, equipment costs, and more. Fundraising and Event Committees work together on summer events to support our community while asking for community support! Our hockey families continue to love getting involved in the community through parades and local events. Confirmed events the Penquis Panthers will attend this summer will be the True Value Home Show/Maine Whoopie Pie Festival on June 25 in Dover-Foxcroft, 4th of July Parade in Sebec, Piscataquis River Festival Parade on July 30 at Guilford, Dover-Foxcroft Shiretown Homecoming parade on August 6 and the Maine Red Hot Dog Festival on August 15 at Dexter.

Another event we’ll be bringing back this season is Car Wash Assistance at the Piscataquis County Ice Arena on July 9th. It was a big success last summer for our organization with local law enforcement and community members showing their support for our young hockey players!

Penquis Youth Hockey is a non-profit youth sports organization that provides hockey for ages 4-14 in Piscataquis and Penobscot counties. Next meetings for PYHA: event meeting Wednesday, July 6 6:00 p.m. at Piscataquis County Rink, Board Meeting Tuesday, August 16 at the ice rink.

Registration for next season opens in the fall with all local youth interested in the great sport of hockey to register for the early bird registration fee! We are always looking for more volunteers, be it coaches, team parents or fundraisers. In addition, an important need concerns local leaders. All sports see an increased need for officials at different age levels. The association strives to help local youth and community members become hockey officials for local games by reimbursing a portion of the expenses incurred to become a certified official. Please contact any interests, questions or concerns at [email protected] or President Allison Phillips at [email protected].