The Juneau Douglas Ice Association’s Squirt Division completed its second annual Skate-a-Thon fundraiser at Treadwell Ice Arena where 27 young athletes collectively skated 3,085 laps – or 280 miles – in one hour.
Players, ages 9 and 10, raised money to fund their upcoming March trip to the Alaska State Hockey Association tournament. It’s one of few opportunities for these Juneau athletes to compete against out-of-town teams.
Florian Wade led all skaters by completing 135 laps (12 miles). Stein Dostal (133 laps), Sonny Monsef (133), Minta Schwartz (133) and Antone Araujo (131) also eclipsed the 130-lap mark.
Last year the top performer skated 119 laps. This year, 12 skaters either matched or exceeded last year’s best. The group averaged 114 laps.
The event also allowed for some fun competition and awards.
Karter Kohlhase won the Showboat Award for his moves to the song “Watch Me,” and Macabee Brna took honors in the dance off for various steps including Michael Jackson’s moonwalk and the splits.
Aiden Allison received the First-out Ready-to-Go Award; Keegan Clancy received honors for best attitude; Dostal was named the event’s MVP for his attitude and performance.
“This group of Squirts continues to inspire, and exceed expectations,” says head coach Jason Kohlhase. “All of six the coaches are really proud of the whole group.
“It’s so cool to be part of a group exceeding expectations all the time. Not a single player gave up. No came up with excuses to get off the ice.”
The event received widespread support from Juneau’s business community.
Donating prizes ranging from hockey gift bags to movie cards were: Metalworks, Icy Bay Fisheries; Cherish Hanson, Friendly Trucking, RMC and Costco. Metalworks, Bullwinkle’s and Island Pub also donated pizzas served to skaters and volunteers afterward.
Volunteers made up of parents, coaches, youth skaters and players from the Juneau-Douglas High School hockey team worked with the players by handing them rings to indicate a completed lap, providing water and offering constant encouragement.
Luke Bovitz eyes one of final turns in the Second Annual Skate-a-Thon sponsored by JDIA’s Squirt Division. Bovitz completed 120 laps, almost 10 miles.
