Help Support A Growing

Ice Hockey Program

To the Editor:

The Newtown High School Ice Hockey team is preparing for the start of their sixth season and the players will be working hard to qualify for the SWC playoffs and the state tournament as well. Head coach Dustin Zima and assistant coach Brian Micena will be looking for players to step into the skates of the talented class of ‘05 players. This year’s team will feature competitive and spirited play from a cross-section of players representing all four classes at the school. In this year, only our sixth as a team, the program is developing strong roots as the number of players continues to grow. Considering the success of the high school team, coupled with the large number of young players participating in area youth hockey programs, ice hockey has become a permanent part of the school’s athletic program.

The costs of maintaining an ice hockey program are considerable. Equipment, which needs to be replaced as players grow during their teen years, is quite expensive. The cost of each hour of practice ice is over $300. The school does not allow players to drive to practices at the Danbury Ice Arena. As a result, the cost of busing players to and from practices and games exceeds $8,000 for the season. When supplies, referee expenses, and incidentals are added in with the two major expenses of ice time and transportation, you end up with a fairly expensive program. One of the goals of this organization was to make a player’s ability, and not cost, the determining factor in whether or not a student participates in this program. When the Board of Education approved ice hockey as a varsity sport six years ago, it was planned that the school district would financially support the program by this point in time. We are very grateful for the school district financial support we do receive. However, the vast majority of the program is still funded by families of the players, fundraisers, and contributions from our community.

In summary, Newtown Varsity Ice Hockey is a growing program that is still mainly funded by parents and the community. Generous contributions from individuals and organizations help lower the cost for each player and make this program possible. If you are a business owner, we ask that you would consider making a donation or advertising in our game program. If you are a resident of Newtown or fan of Newtown High School sports, we ask that you would consider financially supporting the high school team. While we are aware that there are many worthy causes that need to be funded, we are once again coming to you for help. Please make any contribution payable to: The Friends of Newtown Hockey, and mail it to: The Friends of Newtown Hockey, c/o Scott Bell, 10 Buck Trail, Sandy Hook CT 06482. Thank you.

Bob Conlan for

The Friends of Newtown Hockey

53 Taunton Hill Road, Newtown                             December 5, 2006