Breaking the Ice: The Open Ice Foundation Making Hockey Accessible to All in Maine
In Maine, youth hockey participation has been on the decline, prompting local father Ryan Griffin to take action. Griffin, who credits hockey with positively impacting his son's life, has observed a decrease in hockey programs across the state. Recognizing cost as a significant barrier to entry, Griffin established The Open Ice Foundation, a non-profit organization aimed at making hockey accessible to all children, regardless of their financial situation. The foundation plans to provide donated gear and scholarships to help alleviate the high costs associated with playing hockey.
According to USA Hockey data, youth hockey participation in Maine has been decreasing steadily since 2005, with the 2022–2023 season recording some of the lowest numbers in nearly two decades. Griffin believes that the high cost of the sport is a major deterrent for many families, with goalie gear alone costing up to $4,000. The Open Ice Foundation seeks to address this issue by providing support to children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to play hockey.
Matt Pinchevsky, head coach of the men's ice hockey team at the University of Southern Maine, emphasizes the importance of initiatives like The Open Ice Foundation in expanding the reach of the sport. He highlights the positive impact that hockey can have on students, fostering qualities such as confidence, discipline, teamwork, and leadership. Pinchevsky commends Griffin's efforts to make hockey more inclusive and accessible to children from all backgrounds.
Griffin envisions a future where hockey is open to every child, regardless of their circumstances, hence the name Open Ice. He is currently fundraising to fully launch the initiative and welcomes donations on Crowd Funder. By providing donated gear and scholarships, The Open Ice Foundation aims to break down financial barriers and ensure that every child has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of hockey.
To stay updated on local stories and news, viewers can continue following NEWS CENTER Maine+ on the streaming app. For real-time updates on breaking news, weather, and traffic alerts, users can download the NEWS CENTER Maine mobile app. The efforts of individuals like Ryan Griffin and organizations like The Open Ice Foundation are crucial in preserving and expanding the sport of hockey for future generations.