Hockey equipment available
PRESQUE ISLE — The Presque Isle Youth Hockey Association is making an investment in its future. Through USA Hockey, the association recently purchased 20 starter equipment packs for young children. The packs include all gear with the exception of skates and sticks. The association will loan, free of charge, these starter packs to children interested in playing.
“We did this two years ago and it was very successful,” said Doug Carlisle, vice president of the association. “We had over 30 children from 4-7 years of age on the ice. Twenty of them were dressed with this equipment. If we want to grow our hockey program, we need to start with this age group, and the free equipment is a huge incentive.”
“Often times, parents don’t want to invest a lot of money in a sport that their children may not continue,” explained Erin Benson, president of the association. “Offering them a starter pack let’s their children get into the game with little personal investment.”
The starter packs were purchased for $70 per unit, with money set aside from donations and fundraisers. The equipment is loaned to members. Once a family has finished with it, they return it to the association, who then loans it to other interested children.
“Hockey is an exciting and fun sport that promotes wellness, team play, and good sportsmanship,” said Benson. “We want to make sure that everyone who wants to play can. So investing in equipment helps more people become involved with the sport.”
The youth hockey program, held at the Forum in Presque Isle, begins this month. For more information, call 764-0491.
