FAQs
What is the PACE Hockey Program?
Portland and Cape Elizabeth (PACE) Middle School Hockey is designed to provide 5th – 8th graders who reside in and/or attend a public or private school in Portland or Cape Elizabeth with an opportunity to play competitive hockey. Fifth graders are included in our program, but are only permitted to play on our junior varsity team. Players at all skill levels are welcome and encouraged to participate!
Who runs PACE?
PACE is run by volunteers, most of whom are parents of participants. Parent volunteers on our Board provide the leadership for running our program. Parents of players are also requested to participate in various roles throughout the season.
Who pays for PACE?
PACE is a private organization; it is NOT funded by the City of Portland or the Town of Cape Elizabeth or their school departments. All fees and costs associated with running the program are raised by parents, players, volunteers, and other business supporters.
What does it cost?
The cost for the program in $345 per player. In order for PACE to keep this fee affordable, a variety of fundraising activities are held throughout the year. It is imperative that parents and players participate in these events.
Costs include:
1. 40 hours of practice ice time with two Friday practices a month dedicated to skills.
2. Dedicated practice times, Monday and Friday from 6:10-7:10 p.m. at Troubh Ice Arena in Portland.
3. 12 games for JV, 16 games for Varsity.
4. End of year Banquet to celebrate season with gifts for players and three awards given to individual players from all teams (JV, Varsity, and Girls).
How does fundraising work?
Our registration fees do not cover all of our operational expenses (ice time, league fees, etc.) so we conduct fundraisers throughout the year to help supplement the program and give the kids a chance to contribute to the program. Fundraising includes, but is not limited to:
· We conduct a Bottle Drive on a Saturday morning in early October that has been very successful over the years and provides players and parents a chance to bond over a couple of hours at the beginning of the season. Players distribute flyers around their neighborhoods the week before the drive with instructions to leave out returnables on the curb the morning of the drive. We pick up the bags, bring them to the redemption center and sort them.
· Collection days at local supermarkets.
· CLYNK bags
· Flipgive
· Hosting a Portland/Deering vs. Cape Elizabeth High School Varsity Scrimmage at TIA in Portland. PACE players sell raffle tickets during the game.
When is registration?
Registration will be available by September 1st through Sports Engine.
When are Player Evaluations?
Player evaluations take place in late September/early October to assess players’ skill levels and to assign them to the appropriate team. To ensure a fair and balanced process, all returning players are required to participate in evaluations, regardless of skill level.
When do practices start?
Practices start after evaluations in early/mid-October and continue through early March.
What are the divisions?
The Southern Maine Middle School League is comprised of two divisions: Varsity and Junior Varsity. PACE has a team in each division.
Varsity Division (Hawkins): The varsity team is our official entrant in the Southern Maine Middle School League. The varsity team plays 16 games each season and also participates in playoffs for the Mariner’s Cup. The team practices twice a week and also has off-ice conditioning sessions. Placement on this team is competitive. Play is at the Bantam level, but there is no checking. Team members are very strong skaters with solid hockey knowledge and comfort with the size, speed and skill associated with this level of play.
Junior Varsity Division (Ingalls): The junior varsity team accommodates players not ready for hockey at the varsity level. The junior varsity plays a 12-game season and also participates in playoffs for the Mariner’s Cup. The team practices twice per week. Emphasis is placed on the development of hockey skills as well as participation in competitive games.
When and where are practices and games?
The season runs from September/October through early March. Dedicated practice times are Mondays and Fridays from 6:10-7:10 p.m. at Troubh Ice Arena. Most games are played on Sunday afternoons or evenings. Most home games are held at the Troubh Ice Arena in Portland. Most away games are held at arenas in the greater Portland area. Playoffs may require additional travel.
What equipment is needed?
Each player must wear a complete set of approved USA Hockey equipment. PACE has some donated equipment available.
What are the expectations regarding attendance?
All players are expected to be present for the scheduled practices and games whenever possible. It is understood that there will be times when a player will miss a practice or game. Coaches must be notified in advance of absences. Any other specific attendance policy will be provided by your coach.
What are the Friday Clinics?
The Friday Clinics are held twice a month. The ice time is designed to work on individual skills in a personal setting with the coaches. Practices are split into skill stations (skating/shooting/passing) and conclude with personal free time for the players. Stations allow the player to work on game and player specific development skills in a repetitive atmosphere.
What are PACE standards of behavior?
PACE requires good sportsmanship at all times. It is expected that players will comply with the rules and regulations of coaches, rinks and USA Hockey. Physical and verbal abuse of any player by another player or parent will not be tolerated at any time. Players are expected to demonstrate positive attitudes on and off the ice. Both player and parent “Code of Conduct” forms must be signed and submitted prior to the first tryout session.
Can players participate in both PACE and other club hockey organizations?
Yes! Many of our players participate in PACE and club programs. Scheduling conflicts should be discussed with your coach as early as possible.
Banquet
We conclude our regular season with an awards ceremony and banquet..
Summer Activities
PACE participates in a summer middle school hockey league at USM arena in Gorham during the months of July and August.
How can I get involved?
For more information about the PACE program, PACE Board of Directors, or volunteer opportunities, please contact PACE board president Kevin Kayne at kevin@blaze-partners.com.