The New England Stars Squirts Elite team, based out of Skate 3 in Tyngsboro coached by Eric Brickett, is raising funds to help needy children. Each child is given 10 pucks to shoot and score with. The players can be sponsored per puck or at a flat rate. The team will go shopping together at the Nashua “Toys r Us” in December. Each child will spend the money they’ve raised buying toys for those less fortunate than themselves. One year, 16 shopping carts were brimming with toys to donate. A Marine Corps representative will meet us in Nashua to collect the donation.

The Stars’ team is a new team this year. It has boys and girls on it aging from 9-10, all living in the greater Nashua area and surrounding communities. The players are starting to come into their own. They have a strong team spirit, they get along very well, and each player contributes to the best of their abilities. The coaches challenge the players to improve their skating and game sense as well as boost their confidence level and overall hockey skills.

It’s a great team and great experience. I’m thrilled the players are learning about donating, but not only the giving of money, but of the process of picking a charity, spending the time to look for presents and giving of themselves. This is a good reminder that people need to do and give what makes them comfortable and the best gifts and donations are made freely and unselfishly. I’m hoping this event will make an impact in their young hearts they can carry with them through to adulthood.

Andrea Russell