My name is Nic Andraca, I’m 13 years old, and I live in Novato. I’m writing to ask for something that I truly believe could make a difference for kids, teens, and families all over Marin County—a public ice skating rink and eventually a youth hockey program.   
Hockey has meant everything to me for years, even though we don’t have a rink anywhere nearby. I used to go outside and play street hockey by myself every night from 7 to 9 p.m.—just me, a stick, a net, and a dream. I would shoot for hours, set up cones, run drills, and imagine being part of a real team. I didn’t have coaches or teammates—just pure love for the game. I didn’t need anyone to push me—I was out there every single night because I loved to grind and get better.   
That’s the kind of passion that’s being wasted right now—because kids like me in Marin don’t have a place to skate. There’s no public rink, no local teams, no way to even learn unless you leave the county. That’s a huge opportunity just waiting to be unlocked. Whether it’s public skating in the winter, kids learning hockey, or creating new rec leagues—this is something that would bring people together across every age group.   
I’ve already been doing research on how other communities have made rinks happen—through grants, local support, sponsorships, and creative planning. I may be 13, but I know how to work for what I want, and I know I’m not the only one who wants this. I’m ready to keep grinding—not just on the rink, but off it too, to help make this a reality.   
I’m asking for your support. Not just for me, but for every kid who’s out there shooting pucks on a driveway, wishing they had a real place to play. A place where they could belong, grow, and build confidence doing something they love.   
Thank you for reading this and for considering a new future for hockey and ice skating in Marin County.   
Sincerely, Nic Andraca Novato, CA Age 13