FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 13, 2021

HALLOWELL, Maine – The Skating Association of Maine (SAM) has announced the return of skating programs for the 2021 season. The programs started today with the first class of Learn To Skate USA at the Camden National Bank Ice Vault on the Whitten Road in Hallowell.

Stephanie Weber, director of the Snow Plow program, helps Liam Black, age 3 from Wayne, Maine. Many kids participated in the return of the Learn to Skate program on Monday at the Camden National Bank Ice Vault.

Through the Learn To Skate USA program, SAM will offer the following classes:

• Snowplow Sam (for skaters 3 to 6 years old) will run for 30 minutes starting at 5:30 PM.
• Basic Skills (for skaters older than 6 years) will run for 45 minutes starting at 6:15 PM.
• Adult Skills will run for 45 minutes starting at 6:15 PM.
• Hockey Edge Skills (for more advanced skaters wishing to pursue the sport of hockey) will run for 45 minutes starting at 5:30 PM.
• Intro to Figure Skating (for more advanced skaters wishing to pursue figure skating) will run for 45 minutes starting at 5:30 PM.
  All classes are taught in a group learning environment with skaters advancing through the program at their own pace.

This year program offerings include a new free Learn to Play program, Hybrid Hockey program and expanded Learn to Skate program. All SAM 2021 programs are designed to give area youth the opportunity and access to skating and hockey programs, while following state and local guidelines related to COVID-19.

The new Learn to Play program will take place on Sundays from October 31st, 2021 - February 20th-2022. The one-hour lessons over 16 weeks, split into two eight week sessions. Each session will take place from 8:20am - 9:20am at the Camden National Bank Ice Vault in Hallowell, Maine. The program is designed for new players ages 4-7 years of age. New players older than 7 are still welcome to join for free. 

There is no cost for new players to participate in the Learn to Play Atoms program. Eligibility for the free program for new players is only valid for the duration of 1 season (October 31st, 2021 - February 20th, 2022). For any player 8 years of age or older there is a $48 USA Hockey registration fee.

Rental equipment is available. For $125 a player will receive all equipment, except a stick. The $125 includes the purchase of a new Bauer helmet. If equipment is returned, a refund of $75 will be given and the player still gets to keep the helmet. Free rental skates will be provided by the Camden National Bank Ice Vault on a first come, first serve basis.

In addition to the Learn to Play Program, SAM also announced a Hybrid Hockey Season. Players joining the free Learn to Play Atoms program can advance and register for the association’s 6U or 8U Tier 4 hockey program at the halfway point of the regular season. Pricing will be adjusted accordingly. 

The Skating Association of Maine is looking for additional volunteers to fill vacant positions on the board and in the figure skating and hockey committees. For more information contact Glenda Winn, vice president of the SAM board of directors at gjwinnsk8@gmail.com.

Learn more at the association’s website, www.maineskaters.com.

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About the Skating Association of Maine (SAM):

The Skating Association of Maine is an organization with more than 300 members. SAM’s mission is to encourage and promote ice skating programs in the State of Maine. SAM’s purpose is to encourage and promote the participation, instruction, practice and advancement of its members in the sport of skating on ice, including, but not limited to Learn to Skate, Figure Skating, and Hockey, in accordance with the rules and regulations of each sport’s National Governing Body (NGB) and to instill the ideals of sportsmanship, honesty, and teamwork. Learn more at www.maineskaters.com.

Media contact:
Greg Glynn
SAM Board Member
triplegproductions@yahoo.com