Despite Portman Amateur Hockey Association's optimism around being able to put on their second annual Great Skate event, mother nature is proving to be too difficult. Extreme warmth today followed by rain tomorrow will make it unfeasible, and unsafe, to host anything on Saturday. The board of directors has decided to postpone the event to a date to be determined.
The event was planned to kick off the outdoor hockey season and was originally set for Saturday, December 16 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Portman Community Center.
The Great Skate serves as the Association's largest fundraiser of the season. Current players are encouraged to solicit donations from friends and family to participate in several fun challenges throughout the day. Portman's Board of Directors hopes to raise $10,000 in funds to help cover rising costs associated with equipment, facilities, and jamborees. To date, over 150 people have donated to the Great Skate and the Association is just $700 shy of their goal.
"The goal of the Great Skate is to make money for our association and help eliminate some expenses for our families," said Kevin Pillsbury, President of Portman's Board of Directors. "But it also represents the very best in our community: generous neighbors supporting our kids as they build long-lasting friendships on and off the ice."
This event, when rescheduled, will be free and open to the public.