TOPSHAM, MAINE: On March 22, 2012, in a unanimous decision 14-0, the MSAD 75 School Board approved the Mt. Ararat Eagles Girls Ice Hockey Club Team’s request for Varsity status. The girl’s club team was founded 2 years ago by Blair Shea and Ron Hutchins, two parents and lifelong friends that wanted to provide their daughters and other girls the opportunity to play ice hockey in high school. Shea challenged Hutchins by saying he’d coach if Hutchins would organize it. Hutchins contacted the Maine Girls Ice Hockey Association (MGIHA) and with their support and guidance, a team was formed.
Hutchins filed a request to speak to the School Board with Colin Roy, Athletic Director for Mt. Ararat High School. Last night Mr. Roy, Hutchins, Shea and most of the girls stood before the 14 member School Board and presented their case. Brooke Shea and Kieley Hetherington spoke before the board and told them what it has meant to them to be involved with ice hockey and this team. Hutchins read a letter from one of the player’s parents and days prior to the meeting had sent each board member a 26 page brochure about this Eagles Team, the MGIHA, USA Hockey and the history of girl’s hockey in this country. It included facts about the post-High School opportunities for girls. In the mid 1990’s only 15 colleges offered girl’s ice hockey as a varsity sport. Today there are about 100 colleges offering the sport and more to follow. These colleges are looking for girls that can play and is a great scholarship opportunity.
If you have a daughter that is athletic and enjoys sports like lacrosse, field hockey, soccer or softball… they should give hockey a try. If your school does not have a team, you can contact the MGIHA for guidance on how to start one.
In the last 2 seasons the Eagles Team has played in 43 games with an overall record of 22W-18L-3T. They have raised over $15,000 to pay for their insurance, ice time and jerseys. Mt. Ararat will be the newest member of the Maine Principles Association (MPA) High School Hockey League and will now play other MPA teams such as Brunswick, Yarmouth, Falmouth, Scarborough, York, Lewiston, St. Doms and more.
This new status also comes with greater challenges both on and off the ice. The girls wanted a more consistent and higher level of play. With that comes a big price tag. With school budgets being tight and no funding available for this team, the girls will need to raise $14,000 to pay ice fees for games and practices, uniforms, referees, and provide their own transportation.
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