COASTE | COMMUNITY
are bringing their boys and girls here. Michael Cunningham is one such parent who literally goes to this extreme, traveling from his home in the Keys to Germain Arena for his daughter Ainsley (former Junior Everblade) and son Eagan (current Alliance). “I’m fortunate to have a job where I’m able to do my work anywhere,” he notes. “One
While a number of fundraising events are planned, Rafalski is hoping that Southwest Florida businesses will see the value of their efforts — and the national recognition it’s bringing — and support their mission with sponsorships. “Our goal is to create a year-round program where kids can train together, work on skill sets they may not be able to otherwise and, with travel, have a chance to go up against the top players in the country,” he says. “Any improvement within the hockey frame will always help kids in life.” Ryan Brindley agrees. “In the end, we’re just trying to do what’s best for the kids. And now that we’re getting recognized nationally, well, that’s pretty satisfying.” Florida AAA Youth Hockey www.FloridaAAAYouthHockey.org Junior Everblades www.JrEverblades.org { }
of the reasons we like being involved with the Junior Everblades and the Alliance is I know we get great coaching — minor league hockey, professional hockey, Olympic hockey. The experience and
Rafalski hopes business will see the value of their efforts — and the national recognition it’s bringing — and support their mission with sponsorships.
knowledge coaches are communicating to my daughter and son are invaluable. It’s teaching them life lessons and developing their skills.” As Cunningham and other parents can attest, tournament hockey like Florida Alliance ain’t cheap — anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000 per year when you add it all up. About a year ago, Rafalski, Brindley and others began discussing ways tomake the Alliance better for kids, and more affordable for parents. The result is the new, not-for-profit Florida AAA Youth Hockey, Inc., complete with 501(c)(3) papers from the IRS, that will debut in August as a year-round program.
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