For the Gazette

Stevens Point Area Tourism Development Fund funds cross-ice divider boards for 3-on-3 hockey competitions

STEVENS POINT – The Stevens Point Ice Hawks received a Stevens Point Area Tourism Development Grant Fund award of $6,428 to purchase cross-ice divider boards. The rigid boards divide the rink into multiple playing surfaces for the Ice Hawks’ popular three-on-three full ice and half ice tournaments.

“We are thrilled to support the Ice Hawks in their efforts to deliver outstanding hockey tournaments which add to the tourism value here in the Stevens Point area,” said Sara Brish, executive director of the Stevens Point Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The Ice Hawks, an all-volunteer led organization, teaches children the fundamentals of hockey with age-appropriate practice activities, games, camps and tournaments. The cross-ice divider boards made their debut in the January 19, 2019 Cross Ice Clash tournament.

The boards, which are used weekly for U8 league play, will also be used in the March 16, 2019 Intro Rockin’ Jamboree and the Get Your Chill On 3v3 in early August. Ice Hawk’s three-on-three tournaments draw teams from throughout Wisconsin, as well as teams from Iowa, Minnesota and Michigan.

The check was presented prior to the first game during the Cross Ice Clash Tournament on January 19, 2019. U8 teams and their coaches joined the photo with Ice Hawks representatives Greg Friese and Alice Koback and Tourism Development Grant Committee members, Sara Brish, Noall Silvester and Melissa Sabel.

“The Intro to Hockey and U8 (mites) players, the youngest in our program, get the most puck touches and best gameplay experience by playing cross-ice or half-ice games instead of full-ice games,” Stacy Johnson, Ice Hawks tournament director and board member, said. “The cross-ice divider boards improve the playing and learning experience.”

The total cost for two sets of the cross-ice divider boards was $15,800. Additional funding was received from the Wisconsin Amateur Hockey Association grant and a donation from Christopherson Family Dentistry.

“We really appreciate the generous contribution of the SPACVB, WAHA, and Christopherson Family Dentistry to support the development of new hockey players,” Jason Schroeder, co-chair of the intro and U8 program, said.

The Ice Hawks are also the home rink for the Pacelli High School Hockey Co-op and the UWSP Women’s Hockey team and. The Ice Hawks host the Mosey/Leppen Classic, a 3-day celebration of adult hockey the last weekend of April, and the Chris Brooks’ Elite Hockey Camps.

2018 was first year for the grant cycle through the Stevens Point Area Tourism Development Committee. Grant applications can be submitted for costs related to the development of Stevens Point area visitor attractions and amenities. Capital and special projects by nonprofit or government units are eligible. All grant applications will be reviewed based on tourism and operational criteria. Projects must contribute to the ability to attract visitors and improve overall tourism assets in the Stevens Point area.

The next deadline for applications is March 1. To apply, please review the grant requirements in full at StevensPointArea.com/grant. Applicants must also be located within the Stevens Point Area Convention & Visitors Bureau service area, representing all of Portage County.

The Stevens Point Area Tourism Development Committee distributes a percentage of room tax revenue for the development, enhancement or expansion of visitor attractions and amenities to nonprofits and units of government.