Support your local HS hockey team

The Mohonasen-Schalmont high school varsity ice hockey team needs your help.

As they do every year, players and parents are actively raising money for the upcoming season, which typically runs from mid-November to mid-February.

While it is a varsity program, the hockey team receives only minimal financial support from the two school districts. Players and parents are forced to raise MORE THAN 70 PERCENT of the operating budget (ice time, referees, travel, coaches, etc.), which I'm told is about $30,000.

It is a daunting figure, and task, to be sure, one made even moreso by the fact that the M-S hockey team will have exactly nine players this season. Yes, nine. With five skaters and a goaltender on the ice at any one time, that leaves a bench of, c'mon math wizards, three.

The team has several fundraisers, from pancake breakfasts to bottle drives to raffles. Local businesses can help out by purchasing space in the team's ad book (program), which is available at every home game. Ads range in cost from $20 to $250, depending on size. Monetary donations are also accepted and welcomed, whether from businesses or individuals, of any denomination. All proceeds go directly to the team.

Anyone interested in donating is encouraged to contact Mohonasen-Schalmont Hockey Association president Barb Glasser at (518) 858-8552 or barbglasser@pricechopper.com

Thanks for your support!