Photo courtest of Munising Hockey Association
By Samantha Meyer
Beacon Correspondent
Eight 14U Bantam hockey teams will take the ice at the Alger Centennial Ice Arena on Feb. 6-8, with one team securing a ticket to the state finals.
The president of the Munising Hockey Association, Deidre Phillipson, said, “It’s anyone’s game.” The games have been going back and forth; this tournament will be the deciding factor.
The 14U Bantam tournament will take place Friday through Sunday, Feb. 6-8, at the Alger Centennial Ice Arena in Munising. Games begin at 2 p.m. on Friday, and admission is free to the public. The tournament is the first that Munising has hosted at this level in years and is expected to benefit the local community.
“People are staying here and eating here because they are traveling from all over,” Phillipson said.
Spectators will have the opportunity to participate in raffles and a 50/50 cash drawing, with local businesses and individuals providing sponsorships and donations for raffle baskets.
In addition to hosting the upcoming tournament, the Munising Hockey Association focused on expanding opportunities for players while continuing to offer events for the community.
Programs currently offered are Learn to Skate, 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U and 14U programs, with a recent addition of speed skills for players to grow their abilities. To ensure the safety of all participants, they must be registered with USA Hockey.
Open skate is hosted three days a week after school, providing local children the opportunity to ice skate for free.
To help support these programs, the Munising Hockey Association turns to local businesses and community members. This year, the association sent more than 70 letters requesting donations to support its operations and community offerings. Businesses and individuals also have the option to designate their contributions specifically toward funding free open skate opportunities. Phillipson noted the open skates are “a way to give back to the community in a free way as much as we can.”
For many families, the rink has become more than just a place for kids to have fun.
“With three kids playing at different age levels, the hockey association has made the rink our second home,” parent Mandy Grahovac said. “Between early mornings, late nights, cold bleachers and a lot of time spent living on rink snacks and coffee, I’ve watched my kids grow as players and people — and it’s been worth every minute.”
Hockey parents are the primary volunteers for concessions and fundraisers that help fund the programs. The City of Munising owns the ice arena, and the Munising Hockey Association pays $37,000 annually for ice time. Phillipson said the association has a strong working relationship with the city.
Funds raised also pay for the referees who must travel for games. This year all new jerseys were purchased for the players.
“It’s really cool to see the kids look the same on the ice,” Phillipson said.
Anyone interested in donating or volunteering can contact the Munising Hockey Association by emailing munisinghockey@gmail.com.