The Holyoke Hockey Club, a new community-based youth hockey program, announced overwhelming success for its first registration period. The initial goal was to enroll 40 children, but due to unprecedented interest, 54 young players registered, with an additional 45 children now on the waiting list. The club said the strong response reflects the community’s enthusiasm for accessible youth hockey in western Massachusetts.

The Holyoke Hockey Club is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, run entirely by dedicated volunteers. Its mission is to provide youth underrepresented in the sport of hockey including kids of color, girls, non-binary kids and economically disadvantaged kids, an opportunity to learn to play hockey without cost in a safe and fun environment. The program offers all necessary equipment, from skates to pads, removing barriers for families who might not otherwise be able to afford participation in this sport.

“We are deeply grateful for the generous support we’ve received,” said Lindsey Rothschild, one of the founding members of the club. “Thanks to contributions from the Bruins Foundation, the Springfield Thunderbirds, and individual donors, we were able to provide our first group of kids with high-quality gear and valuable ice time.”

Despite the outpouring of support, the surge in demand has stretched the club’s budget. Costs associated with ice time, equipment, and training have exceeded initial expectations. To continue serving more children, particularly those on our waiting list, the Holyoke Hockey Club is actively seeking additional community sponsorship and donations.

“We’ve proven that the desire to learn hockey is strong in this community,” said Jovan James, another founding member. “Now, we need help to ensure that we are building a sustainable organization. We’re aiming to offer another session this season to accommodate the kids still waiting for their chance to play.”

Holyoke Hockey Club invites local businesses, community leaders, and individuals to join in supporting this grassroots initiative. Your contributions will help sustain the program, allowing it to expand and continue breaking down barriers for children eager to explore the joys of hockey.

For more information on how to get involved, visit holyokehockeyclub.com or contact Holyoke Hockey Club directly at admin@holyokehockeyclub.com.

Northampton CommunityRowing results

Northampton Community Rowing Juniors proved to be on top of their game at this weekend’s Paper City Regatta hosted by Holyoke Rows in Holyoke on Saturday, Sept. 28th. NCR Boys took first and third place in the Men’s Junior 4+ event against Northfield Mt Hermon, Neponset Rowing Club, Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club. St Mary’s, Holyoke Rows, Coventry Lake Community Rowing and Eagle Hill. The NCR Boys A Boat came in first place with a time of 18:29.0 and the NCR Boys Varsity B Boat came in third place with a time of 19:33.8.

The Varsity Girls had a successful event in the Women’s Junior 4+ against Neponset Rowing Club, St Mary’s, Northfield Mt Hermon and Marianapolis. The Girls Varsity A Boat came in first place with a time of 20:49.1 and the Girls Varsity B Boat came in 5th place with a time of 23:44.0.

The Mixed Novice Boat took first place in the mixed 2K Novice 4+ event and the Girls Novice Boat took third place in the same event against Coventry lake Community Rowing, Neponset Rowing Club and Marianapolis. The Mixed Novice boat came in with a time of 11:03.05 and the Girls Novice Boat came in with a time of 11:42.0.

All around success for the team this weekend at the Paper City Regatta — the medals were whole pies and between them all, everyone got at least one slice!

The Paper City Regatta website is https://www.holyokerows.org/paper-city-regatta and results can be found at https://www.crewtimer.com/regatta/r13918.