| Publication: |
Date: January 25, 2007 Section: Sports |
PHOTO AND STORY BY LANCE CPL. CHARLES E. McKELVEY
Cherry Point hockey players are looking forward to the return of the intramural hockey league thanks to the renovation of the hockey facilities by the Marine Corps Community Services athletic staff. “The hockey league was suspended back when the court was shut down (in 2005) down due to safety reasons,” said Gil George, assistant athletic director, MCCS. “The court had old tiles that were originally designed for indoor use.”
“We had Marines come in and tell us how games had to be canceled due to bad court conditions,” George said. “From that point we realized that we needed to update the facilities.” After visiting a couple local hockey courts and making phone calls, the staff here decided what route they would take in the refurbishing process.
“Chris Guertin from Sport Resource Group presented us with a new design that was tested to endure the outdoor conditions,” George said. “The guys who came to do the work did a great job. From the time they started until the last piece was in place took about 15 hours.”
The entire project cost was $54,000. This included the unexpected addition of new hockey goals, nets, dasher boards, lights and goalie pads to make the hockey league runs smoother, said George. “We spent less than we thought,” George said. “We ended up having enough money to buy other things, and we’re not finished with improvements either. We still plan on improving the fencing and possibly even adding a cover to the court.”
Although it took almost a year of planning, in the end the project could not have run smoother, George said. “With the support of the MCCS contracting officer Joe Andrews, Director Steve McNeeley and Deputy Director Paul Pisano along with the hard work by George this is as successful as it is now because of them,” said Bryant Searcy, MCCS Athletic Director.
“The results far exceeded what was initially planned. We were able to provide new equipment as well for less than we planned on spending for the surface,” Searcy said. “When MCCS said that nothing was too good for our Marines they meant it. MCCS, along with Mr. George, did everything capable to get the best for our Marines. We now not only have a facility that is ready to be enjoyed and played on, but one that the Marines are waiting for and have been anticipating. The expected turnout is already four to five teams larger than the last time we had hockey league.”
There is no fee for use of the court and making reservations would be preferable. The court is open for players of all ages. For more information on using the refurbished hockey court or the intramural hockey leagues contact the athletic office at 466-2930. For more information on youth sprots contact Dave Guthrie at 466-5493. Hockey equipment is also available to check out through the front desk at the Marine Dome.
