Sangerville

Puck drops for Piscataquis County Ice Arena

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Doors to the Piscataquis County Ice Arena on West Main Street were formally opened with a ribbon cutting on Monday, Sept. 30. The $5.5 million project, funded by the Libra Foundation and being managed day-to-day by Foxcroft Academy, had some distinguished guests including Gov. Janet Mills and Hockey Hall of Fame member Ray Bourque who played for the Boston Bruins for more than two decades.

“It’s pretty impressive what the Libra Foundation has been part of here, building this rink and giving the kids and the community and the school a great facility to play hockey and to learn the game and really have some great memories — and if some kids dream big to maybe play for the Bruins someday,” Bourque said after the ceremony in-between signing autographs and posing for pictures.

“The lessons you learn as part of a community that has this kind of facility is really special,” Bourque, who concluded his career by winning the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2001, said. “For me it’s about respect and working hard and having fun, listening and going out and having fun but working hard. Pay attention, respect your coaches and teammates and go from there.”

Piscataquis County Ice Arena Bourque Janet Mills

Observer photo/Stuart Hedstrom
ICE TIME — Cutting the ceremonial ribbon for the Piscataquis County Ice Arena in Dover-Foxcroft on Monday, Sept. 30 were, from left, Libra Foundation Chairman & CEO Craig Denekas, Foxcroft Academy Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Richard Swett, Gov. Janet Mills and Boston Bruins Hockey Hall of Fame member Ray Bourque. The $5.5 million project is funded by the Libra Foundation and being managed day-to-day by Foxcroft Academy.

Bourque said he still enjoys watching hockey, including following the professional careers of his sons, regularly viewing the Bruins on television and attending several games each season. “I lived the dream for 22 years, I am a very lucky guy,” he said.

“I think it’s important to have a facility like this to give the kids the opportunity to come out and see if they like hockey and if they like skating,” Bourque said. “It’s opportunities for boys and girls, there’s great opportunities for girls now at all levels of hockey.

“For me I know the enjoyment that I got out of it and a lot of lessons that you learn in terms of how dedicated you have got to be, disciplined, having a good work effort, preparation, perseverance, the ups and downs you go through, how to be a good teammate and everything that comes with that. There are a lot of lessons to be learned playing the game of hockey. I’d love every kid to experience that. For me it’s great to be here, ambassador anything to do with hockey I’m all in. That’s why I’m here today.”

Penquis Youth Hockey Association Bourque

Observer photo/Stuart Hedstrom
INSPIRING YOUNG PLAYERS — Hockey Hall of Fame member Ray Bourque poses with board members of the Penquis Youth Hockey Association after signing an organization jersey following the Piscataquis County Ice Arena grand opening on Sept. 30.

With a podium set up at what will be center ice once the frozen surface is in place for the upcoming winter season, Libra Foundation President Jere Michelson welcomed all those in attendance sitting in the seats above the boards that will accomodate 250-300 fans. “It is my sincere honor and privilege on behalf of the Libra Foundation trustees to welcome you today for this ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Piscataquis County Ice Arena,” he said.

Michelson mentioned various ice activities will be held including curling, broomball, “the honored traditions of public ice skating and figure skating and, as many of you today are eager for, the rebirth of hockey at many levels.”

“Without the buying in and encouragement of community and a dedicated partner in Foxcroft Academy projects like this don’t work,” Michelson said.

Libra Foundation Chairman & CEO Craig Denekas said he has been asked frequently about why the foundation has been building the arena and has created an artists colony up Route 15 in Monson.

Observer photo/Stuart Hedstrom
PHOTO OP — Dover-Foxcroft Town Manager Jack Clukey and Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Denise Buzzelli pose with Boston Bruins legend Ray Bourque.

“The bottom line is we have come to know many of you in the audience and people in your communities,” he said. Denekas said the foundation has learned that Piscataquis County has “simply some of the best places to live in the United States period.”

He cited the beauty of the region and the natural resources “and the economic potential that is second to none. People crave what you have here and they seek it out.”

“We think the future of Piscataquis County will increasingly be the future of Maine,” Denekas said.

“I have to say, on this brisk fall day in Maine with more than a whisper of winter in the air, the opening of a heated ice arena with locker rooms, restrooms and a concession stand sure beats the pebbled pond I used to skate on in Farmington,” Gov. Mills said before thanking the Libra Foundation and Foxcroft Academy.

“Ray, your presence here today will inspire so many Maine people as they lace their skates up for the first time on this ice — thank you for your support and for your visit to Maine.”

Mentioning NHL players with ties to Maine, the governor said, “Let this arena serve as our next all-star’s training ground and his or her success be driven by the community that built it.”

Observer photo/Stuart Hedstrom
NEW SPORTS FOR THE REGION — The Piscataquis County Ice Arena on West Main Street in Dover-Foxcroft will feature opportunities for all ages to take part in ice sports such as hockey, skating and curling.

“So much of Maine’s way of life — from our large working forests, bordered by quiet main streets to our family-owned farms, small businesses and quality schools — depends on the success of our rural towns,” she said.

“Building the infrastructure that our families need to succeed, whether it is investing in quality public schools, expanding high-speed internet access, or constructing a new ice arena where children can become part of a team, is key to ensuring young families can live and work in rural Maine.

“This state-of-the art ice arena is another community bond tying the people of Piscataquis County together. Ice tournaments will draw hundreds of visitors who will shop at local businesses and help power Dover-Foxcroft’s local economy, much like Foxcroft Academy’s outdoor track championships and regional football finals have done.

“I am grateful to the Libra Foundation for their investment in Piscataquis County and their dedication to rural Maine. Supporting rural Maine communities and attracting young people to Maine is a top priority of our administration.

“Commissioner Heather Johnson of the Department of Economic and Community Development — who is here today — is leading those efforts and working on the first statewide economic community development plan in decades this fall. It is my hope that it will include public and private investments like these throughout the state of Maine.

“Thank you for all that you have done on behalf of Piscataquis County and our state. You will always find a committed partner in our administration. You will always find an open door, open mind and an open heart.”

Foxcroft Academy Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Richard Swett said most county residents live within 30-35 minutes of the Piscataquis County Ice Arena, with other such facilities being located at least an hour away. He said the ice can be removed, potentially in the summer, to allow for trade shows and meetings.

“I suggest we use this generous gift from the Libra Foundation as a catalyst for more economic and community development,” Dr. Swett said.

“I think visitors who come here once to see this ice arena will see how attractive this arena is,” he added.

Foxcroft Academy Head of School Arnold Shorey said the school is proud to manage the Piscataquis County Ice Arena. He said Matt Spooner has been hired as director of operations, and Spooner has called it his dream job.

Shorey said Andy Jacobs has served as director of facilities during the construction process over the last year-plus, and soon the arena advisory council will start its work.

“I can sense the excitement around the region,” Shorey said. He said in the spring the Penquis Youth Hockey Association formed to grow the game at the younger levels.

“The plan is to bring high school hockey back to the region by establishing a cooperative hockey team,” Shorey said, with area high schools joining Foxcroft Academy on a squad to take to the ice in the future for the first time since Foxcroft Academy last fielded a team in 2006-07.

“My dream is this team will be a microcosm for the region as these four schools will need to work together,” Shorey said.

Bourque had the final turn at the podium and he told that audience when he started skating around age 4 he did not have amenities like those at the Piscataquis County Ice Arena, instead heading outside in his hometown near Montreal. Bourque said he did not play in an indoor arena until about age 7.

The Hall of Famer — who holds National Hockey League records for most careers goals, assists and points by a defenseman — mentioned the various lessons he learned on the ice “but for me the biggest thing was having fun and that’s what’s going to be like for the kids here.”

He shared some of his background in the sport, saying at age 15 he left home to play in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He played for three teams across four seasons before being drafted by the Boston Bruins eighth overall in 1979.

“I was lucky to go to an incredible city like Boston and let me tell you, New England is incredible,” Bourque said. He played 22 seasons with nearly 21 of these with the Bruins.

Bourque said if he was asked at age 18 what a good career in the NHL would be, he would have said 10-12 years. “I couldn’t even dream of 22 years and it all started in a place like this,” he said.

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