Major Donation Boosts Fundraising for Madison County Hockey Rink Project, US

Support Hoover Ridge has received a major donation for the Madison County Parks and Recreation hockey rink project. The existing rink, used by the Madison Hockey League, was destroyed by a wildfire in March. According to hockey league officials, the fire caused significant damage to the rink and player shed. The shed stored supplies, rink equipment, tools, skates, uniforms, and more. A new hockey rink was already included in the plans for the Hoover Ridge Outdoor Recreation Center project, and now those involved with the hockey program are hoping it can be built this year. They have stepped up fundraising efforts, with a golf tournament and the recent Wool and Wine Festival benefiting the project. And now they’ve gotten a big boost. On Thursday, the Washington Capitals announced a joint donation of $30,000 to the project. The donation consists of $10,000 each from the Monumental Sports and Entertainment (MSE) Foundation, MSE Chairman and CEO Ted Leonsis, and the National Hockey League. Additionally, Capitals suppliers Riley Sports and Mateflex have donated a combined $30,000 worth of products to the rink project. Chris Artale, member of the Hoover Ridge Outdoor Project Committee and the Madison Hockey League Rink Construction Team, said the league is excited about the donations, which provide a nice boost in fundraising, but they still have a long way to go. We, Madison County, Madison Parks & Rec and Madison Hockey League, are doing everything we can to get the new rink built this year, Artale said. It’s a tough job and requires more fundraising and a bit of luck. As of February, the hockey rink was estimated to cost about $440,000. By then, about $85,000 had already been raised. Donations to the rink project can be made online by visiting the Support Hoover Ridge website or by check made payable to Support Hoover Ridge, Inc. with hockey in the memo line.