As the largest and most tenured Youth Hockey Association on the Kenai Peninsula, KPHA has seen firsthand how our community benefits from having ice at the Soldotna Sports Center as much as possible. Many families, travel throughout the summer to allow our children the opportunity to continue their training and maintain their skills on the ice. This not only takes funds out of our own city/borough and puts it into other cities' hands but also adds financial burden to our local families because we lack an operational ice rink during May, June and July. Summer ice would allow our families to keep funds close to home and draw others from around the state to come participate in camps, clinics and training while staying in town, fishing, shopping and dining during their time here. 

Our youth are passionate about hockey and deserve access to local facilities that support their growth and development in this sport and as individuals. The Soldotna Sports Center is more than just an ice rink; it's a place where dreams are nurtured, friendships are built, and life skills are learned. 

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District reports that over 1,000 students participate in sports activities each year (source: KPBSD Annual Report). KPHA currently has over 300 players registered and representing the peninsula at three levels of competition and over seven age divisions. The Peninsula also has two other youth hockey associations that house multiple teams each season and do not have year round ice. By keeping the Soldotna Sports Center open throughout the month of July for youth hockey camps, training and activities we can ensure these students and youth athletes have almost year-round access to essential hockey training facilities and maintain a positive activity that teaches physical, mental and emotional wellbeing much closer to home. 

This petition calls on decision-makers at the City of Soldotna to maintain operations at Soldotna Sports Center's ice rink throughout July. Let's invest in our youth by providing them with opportunities right here at home. Please sign this petition today and show your support. By signing this petition you support the facilitation of summer ice and commit to for cost training youth ice hockey training programs during summer months and supporting local options brought to the peninsula.