Spooner named Piscataquis County Ice Arena director of operations
DOVER-FOXCROFT — Matthew Spooner has been hired as the director of operations for the soon to be completed Piscataquis County Ice Arena (PICA). He will start the new position July 1 as the arena is on target to open in September.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to get this building off the ground,” said Spooner. “The Libra Foundation has provided awesome opportunities for Piscataquis County. It’s now our job to ensure area residents of the surrounding communities reap the benefits by participating, not only in programming but ultimately in PCIA’s growth.”
Piscataquis County
Ice Arena
Director of Operations
Matthew Spooner
Spooner is no stranger to the Dover-Foxcroft community or to ice sports. For years, he was the manager of Gunn’s Sport Shop in Brewer, serving several area hockey teams and players. He worked with local hockey facilities and had been on several hockey boards of directors, including the newly formed Penquis Youth Hockey Association. More recently, Spooner was a sales representative for Dave’s World in Dover-Foxcroft.
“Growing this building is all about relationships,” said Spooner. “We will continue to build those with people we know, and we will foster strong partnerships with people we are just meeting. It’s all new to the community and we intend on making this another reason Piscataquis County is making a strong comeback economically. I can’t wait to start and see what we can be.”
The Libra Foundation broke ground on the PCIA last summer and since then, contractors have been busy pouring concrete, building walls and leveling the ice surface. Once finished, the building will hold a full sheet of ice for skating, hockey and other ice-related sports and activities. It will also have locker rooms, seating for 250-300 fans, a concession area, meeting space and a pro shop.
“We feel fortunate to have a person like Matt in place as our first director of programming,” said Arnold Shorey, Foxcroft Academy head of school. “His knowledge of ice sports, his connections in the business and his background in sales will prove invaluable as we get this building and all it can be off the ground. Matt has strong connections to the area and will really thrive in this position, locally and regionally.”
Spooner, a Brewer native, has had ties to Foxcroft Academy for several years. His children Matthew ‘19 and Meghan ‘22 are students and he has been an assistant coach with the Pony football and baseball teams for years. His wife Dr. Kathleen Thibault is a physician at Mayo Regional Hospital in Dover-Foxcroft and serves as the team doctor.
“I’m thankful for everyone who has supported me, especially my family,” said Spooner. “Without their love and support, this opportunity would not be possible. I’m excited to see where this takes us.”