About the Maine Pond Hockey Classic
Our Mission & Cause
Every pass, deke, and celly fuels the Alfond Youth & Community Center (AYCC), a Boys & Girls Club/YMCA partnership serving central Maine kids. Entry fees, beer-garden tips, and corporate gifts roll straight into scholarships, swim lessons, STEAM labs, and free-meal programs that reach 3,000 + youth annually.
Since our first drop in 2013, the Classic has generated ≈ $500,000 for AYCC initiatives, proving that great hockey and greater good skate on the same sheet.
Our History
Turning Point
Year 2013WHY IT MATTERED
- Laid the grassroots foundation; showed demand for a statewide outdoor tourney.
Turning Point
Year 2015Why It Mattered
- Added multiple rinks, heated lodge, and room for vendors and concerts.
Turning Point
Year 2026Why It Mattered
- Offers a 32-acre lakeside campus, “Maine’s Fenway” replica ballpark, and expanded parking.
AYCC Program Spotlight – Where Your Entry Fee Goes
Swim Lessons
Hundreds of kids learn water-safety skills each summer in AYCC’s Red Cross-certified aquatics program.
After-School STEAM Labs
Robotics, coding, and creative arts keep teens exploring long after the final school bell.
Summer Camps at Camp Tracy
Day-camp scholarships ensure no child is priced out of archery, ropes courses, or kayaking on McGrath Pond.
Youth Sports & Wellness
From basketball leagues to ninja-style obstacle zones, AYCC programs teach teamwork and healthy habits year-round.
By lacing up, you’re underwriting everything from swim-goggle straps to 3-D-printer filament—gear that turns “kid” into “confident kid.”
Media & Recognition
Local and regional outlets love a good “frozen lemonade” story, and the Classic delivers every February. Each headline strengthens our sponsor value and helps future donors see their marketing dollars turned into statewide buzz.
$52K Raised in 2024
Central Maine Morning Sentinel applauded players for topping the half-century mark in donations.
Hammond Lumber Headline Sponsor
AYCC press release welcomed the Maine-based company’s leadership support for 2025
Snow Pond Spectacle
Sun Journal dubbed the tourney “a throw-back experience that attracts thousands.”
Historic Origins
92 Moose highlighted the strategic move from China Lake to Snow Pond in 2015.
Tournament Leadership
Patrick Guerette — Founder & Tournament Director
Half event engineer, half fundraiser, all heart. Patrick oversees rink flooding at dawn and trophy presentations at dusk, then crunches the numbers so every penny benefits AYCC families. Have a question, idea, or burning desire to help? Call 207-873-0684 × 203 or email MEPondHockeyClassic@gmail.com
Volunteer Opportunities
Pond hockey runs on community muscle—literally. Sign up as:
Scorekeeper/
Official
Track goals and keep games honest.
Ice-Maintenance Crew
Scrape, flood, and torch cracks between matches.
Merch
Selling hoodies and other merch.
Beer-Garden or Food-Tent Staff
pour cheer and
chow.
Info Booth & Parking Team
Guide newcomers, keep traffic flowing.
Clock 8 + hours and you’ll score an official MPHC volunteer jersey plus a lifetime story that starts, “Remember the blizzard game when…?”
Student Internships
Earn Credits on Ice
Join our build-week crew and turn coursework into rink-side résumé gold.
Past interns have:
STEP 01
STEP 02
STEP 03
Developed clothing/merchandise sales and inventory management.
STEP 04
Managed live score uploads and social-media highlights during pool play
STEP 05
STEP 06
Perks include a stipend, official tourney gear, and—if your college allows it—academic credit.
Email Tournament Director Patrick Guerette (MEPondHockeyClassic@gmail.com) or call (207-555-1234) to apply.
Impact Snapshot
2013
- ~120 Players
- $7K Funds to AYCC
- 150 Volunteer Hours
2018
- ~420 Players
- $48K Funds to AYCC
- 600 Volunteer Hours
2025*
- ~600 Players
- $72K Funds to AYCC
- 900+ Volunteer Hours
*Latest figures await final 2025 audit.
