Houlton youth to play before Celtics game; community breakfast Saturday

For many youngsters, seeing the Boston Celtics play is incredible. But stepping onto the parquet floor of the Garden and playing basketball is a once and a lifetime moment, and 14 Houlton youth in grades 5 and 6 will have that chance next Friday, Dec. 5  in Boston.
    “It will be a great experience,” said Ian Goetsch.
And teammates Connor Grant said he was “speechless” and Ryan Dee said the opportunity was, “sweet.”
Houlton’s Aroostook Youth Basketball League (AYBL) team, coached by Marty Bouchard and Chris Putnam, will have at least five minutes to perform Friday night, as the crowd filters into the arena before the Celtics take on the Portland Trail Blazers.
“We are guaranteed five minutes and possibly as many as eight depending on the amount of pre-game entertainers. So depending on our time, we will have the kids do some quick lay ups and an intra-squad game,” said coach Bouchard. “We may even possibly do their favorite 3-on-2 drill, as well.”
The coaches and players will get to the TD Banknorth Garden at 6 p.m., so they will have the opportunity to get inside the arena and watch the Celtics’ shoot-around. Their parents will join them at 7 p.m.
“We are hoping to get a photo opportunity with some players,” said Bouchard.
But, for a young player just getting a glimpse of an NBA star is awe-inspiring, especially since all of these guys are Celtic die-hard fans.
“I want to see Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen,” said Parker Brewer. “I have never been there [the Garden] and I think it will be fun and something I will never forget. I can’t wait to play on the same floor as the Celtics.”
Most of the Brewer’s teammates offer the same responses.
“It will be exciting to be able to shoot on the floor,” said Cameron Clark. “It’s going to be wicked fun,” added Jacob Condon.
Daniel Howe has been to a Celtics game twice and said he likes seeing the players and the food. “I’m excited,” he added. “I want to see the whole team and I can’t wait to play on the Celtics floor.”
And, echoing the same sentiment was Garrett Putnam who summed the whole trip up in a word, “awesome,” with capital letters. “It will be awesome to be there,” added Jacob Drew. “I’m excited.”
These youngsters have this chance of a lifetime because of Bouchard’s frequent visits to Celtics games and a phone call.
“The last couple of times I have attended Celtics games, I noticed a group of kids playing prior to the game,” he explained. “I called the Celtics office and left a voice mail message inquiring how one goes about gaining this opportunity.”
Though Bouchard didn’t get an immediate response, his diligence paid off a few days later.
“I called them again, this time getting a human voice rather than an answering machine,” he said. “I was fortunate to get the person who actually schedules teams to play prior to the Celtics games.”
Bouchard was told these pre-game entertainment slots were filled in August and September. But, being ever persistent, Bouchard pressed to make sure there were no opportunities left for this season.
“They had a last minute cancellation for Friday,” he said, “and we might be able to play. Usually, you are required to sell a minimum of 125 tickets to get to do this. But since it was so late coming about, the Celtics [front office management] told us we just had to sell 35 tickets.”
Before committing to the trip, Bouchard held a parent meeting.
“I was nervous about the cost for families,” he said. “Especially right before Christmas in a struggling economy. But, we all decided to give it a try. I’m pretty sure a few kids are getting an early Christmas present.”
The enthusiasm of the young players will make the trip worthwhile for the parents.
“It will be very exciting,” said Jacob Brown and Mo Diane. “It’s gonna be awesome. I hope to meet some players,” added Garrett Ring.
The AYBL team sold 54 tickets — $60 each, which includes getting into the Garden early, a T-shirt, having their names announced over the loud speaker, a chance to play and to watch the Celtics game afterward.
The team was able to get an affordable rate on a hotel room, $59 per night at a decent hotel in the area.
“The kids are so excited,” said Bouchard. “They have worked very hard to improve their skills from year to year and now, they have the opportunity to showcase them on New England’s premiere basketball court in front of thousands is a dream come true.”
The kids play in numerous practices and games each season, which helps them sharpen their skills, but Bouchard said it’s the team building that is equally as important.
“The experience will help our team bond and come together as a team, rather than 14 individuals,” Bouchard said. “We are excited to have this opportunity and we look forward to creating memories that will last a lifetime.”
To help offset the trip’s expense, the AYBL team and their families will hold a community breakfast from 6:30-10 a.m. on Sunday at the Houlton Lodge of Elks. There will be no admission, but donations will be accepted.
“Whatever money we receive will go toward tickets, gas and hotels for the families,” Bouchard said. “We appreciate the support we have received thus far and encourage as many as possible to attend our breakfast on Sunday.”
Remember as a child, we dream and sometimes dreams become reality.
“I’ll remember it for a long time,” said Kyle Bouchard, and Noah Holmes said it all, “I can’t wait.”