Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
The sport of hockey is embedded within the Copper Country. Many men and women have laced up a pair of skates at the time as a young kid having fun and playing the game. Around the area, many kids are interested in playing hockey. However, the sport has a history of expensive equipment, and there are financial barriers to some without the means. In the Keweenaw Peninsula, the Copper Country Junior Hockey Association looks for ways to get kids out on the ice, without parents having to worry too much about the cost.
“We’re one of the lowest costing associations in the U.P. And once you get down into lower Michigan, we’re by far cheaper. We understand and all of those of us that grew up playing hockey, and now have kids involved in this sport. We know the importance of how much it costs and we’re enabled to keep that down. And that’s what Copper Shores is helping us do keep that cost low. We’ve got a bunch of great sponsors. And they have been essential in keeping those costs off the family. And we are just looking for any help to get more kids involved and provide that opportunity.” – John French, Board President, Copper Country Junior Hockey Association
Playing a competitive sport at any level provides numerous benefits to a child’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Beyond the obvious physicality, Hockey requires players on the ice. Developing skills like teamwork, mental fortitude, and learning how to overcome weaknesses in a player’s game. Those skills can translate into how a student looks at studying for the next big test in school.
“So there’s the community aspect of being related and having that connection throughout the community. All through hockey. But on an individual level, it helps these kids learn resiliency. It helps them learn hard work, and teamwork also. You know, growing up, and all of these things are essential to kids become a very constructive productive person in society.” – John French, Board President, Copper Country Junior Hockey Association
Giving Tuesday with the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation last year raised over 650,000 dollars from individuals in the community and from friends of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Annually the foundation has provided a match sum to add to the day of giving’s total. Adding up to over 2.7 million dollars spread throughout the copper country over the past six years. Find more information about Giving Tuesday with the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation here and more about the Copper Country Junior Hockey Association here.
