Beyond the Playbook: Portman Hockey Great Skate helps local team

According to the star tribune the average hockey family spends over $2,500 a year to be in the game. A youth sport that’s been the most expensive to play in the U.S and Canada.     

In order to alleviate some of the cost, the Portman Ice Hockey team held a Great Skate to raise funds.

Where every player in the organization, along with the Duluth community hit the ice at the Portman Community Center.

Serving as the Association’s largest fundraiser of the season. With funs going towards the youth players hockey cost. Like jerseys and pads, keeping cost to play lower for families.

“In total we’ve already surpassed our goal by quite a bit. We’re, getting close to about $11,000 right now that we’re taking in before this day even happened. So that was, that was really exciting for us,” said Event Organizer Keith Johnson.

The excitement for the young players continued as even the Duluth East boy’s hockey team took the ice to play with the kids.

“We really wanted to engage the community. We knew we had a fundraising goal that we had to meet, but also really bringing everyone together so that we could have some fun was the goal here,” added Portland hockey mom Staci Graber.

The event also marked the debut of the association’s brand new Zamboni, sponsored by Sonju Two Harbors. Helping keep the ice ready for all the Bruins, along with the community.

“We’re just trying to stay on top of things because it takes a lot of work and a lot of money to to keep this facility going and providing the public service that it does. Not just the hockey players here, but the entire Lakeside Lester Park community,” continued Keith Johnson.

A community that revolves around hockey, learning the sport together.

“I kind of just saw my friends playing one day and I saw my sister’s skating in our backyard. Then I kind of just wanted to play,” concluded player Ben Heppelmann.

You can still help the Bruins throughout their season by donating HERE.