The Central Wisconsin Saints Hockey Association (CWSHA) has received a $130,000 grant from the National Hockey League Player's Association (NHLPA) Goals and Dreams Fund , of which $100,000 will go towards the purchase of an ice arena shell as part of their effort to construct a new, ice rink in the Lions Club Park in Arnott.
The NHLPA allocated another $30,000 to purchase 50 complete sets of hockey equipment, including skates, for underprivileged children.
"We are extremely pleased to confirm that the NHLPA Goals & Dreams Fund Advisory Board has approved this allocation," said Mike Gartner, chairman of NHLPA Goals & Dreams. CWSHA recently broke ground for the new ice arena and multi-purpose building at the Lions Park in Arnott.
In cooperation with the Town of Stockton, and the Arnott Lions Club, the facility will bring a full-size hockey rink to central Wisconsin. The facility will also be available from April through September as a large park pavilion. Roller blading is also a possible use for the building during the summer months.
"To be selected from hundreds of requests is unbelievable for a small community to receive this kind of help from the National Hockey League Players Association. With the equipment grant we will be able to help kids enjoy and learn to play the game in central Wisconsin," said Joe Zuniga, president of the CWSHA.
CWSHA began a $300,000 capital campaign in March 2001. Since that time nearly $150,000 has been raised. Construction of the new rink is under way and teams will begin play in October.
Central Wisconsin Saints Hockey was established July 1, 2000. Their goal is to provide area families an affordable and reasonable means to provide recreational skating programs for all kids in central Wisconsin.
"We need to make sure we're able to make hockey affordable to all kids," says Zuniga. "Hockey is an expensive sport. I learned from my daughter that a lot of young families can't afford to get their kids involved. My heart is with hockey and I want to see every kid have a chance to play the sport."
CWSHA offers hockey programs for all youths ages 5-17.
Persons interested in supporting the CWSHA may forward their gifts to the Community Foundation of Portage County, c/o Saints Hockey Fund, PO Box 968, Stevens Point, Wis, 54481. For information on the CWSHA program, contact Joe Zuniga at 343-8997.