Portman Amateur Hockey Association will kick off the outdoor hockey season with its second annual Great Skate event on Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m. at Portman Community Center. Everyone in the Duluth community is welcome to attend the outdoor event in celebration of area youth hockey players.
Portman Hockey has been a staple in the Lakeside-Lester Park community for over 60 years. The association serves nearly 90 skaters at the mini mite, mite 1, and mite 2 levels.
The Great Skate will also serve 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.
"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."
To date, over 140 people have donated to the Great Skate. The event is free and open to the public.