The Mattawa Minor Hockey Association has received a gift of $2,500 from Mattawa’s council to help off-set ice rental costs at the Mike Rodden Arena for the 2021-22 season.
Councillor Laura Ross chairs the municipal recreation, tourism, and special projects committee. She brought forward the recommendation for the donation during council’s November 22 meeting.
“The Town of Mattawa believes it is a priority to have our youth active,” Ross mentioned to council, “and through this grant hope it will alleviate some financial burden.”
The association has had a difficult time fundraising these past years due to Covid.
Renee-Anne Paquette, the municipal recreation services manager, noted the hockey association usually raises funds by renting out space at the arena’s parking lot to trailers and recreational vehicles during Voyageur Days.
As the popular concert has been cancelled for the past two years, this fundraising opportunity was put on ice.
The $2,500 will provide the association with 41 hours of ice time, Paquette explained, which will help keep the Mattawa Rockets on the rink with less financial worries.
“The association has been unable to do any fundraising in the past two years,” Ross emphasized, but wants to keep fees for “registrations down to allow all to participate.”
The Rockets began their practice sessions on November 2, with the first games scheduled for November 28.
“The Town of Mattawa is very happy to be able to support our local youth and ensure all have access to play here in Mattawa,” Paquette enthused.
David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
