The Oahe Hockey Association has begun a process of upgrades in a two part plan which will be a multi-year process. The Capitals are beginning the process of fundraising to upgrade the PAYSA rink which will become a second game rink with year-round ice.
Nick Marso, President of the Capitalize on the Future Campaign, says they brought some proposals to the board on how they can continue to build hockey in Pierre…
To make it happen, Marso and the hockey association has come up with an outline of the improvements for PAYSA which include replacing the ice while updating with wall repairs, painting, glass and board repair and general maintenance of the building. PAYSA also needs a dehumidifier which is essential for summer hockey activities along with a new Zamboni to replace the old one and functioning in-floor heating system which maintains the level floor beneath the ice.
The goal for the Capitals is to raise $350,000 this year and have received $150,000 to the goal. Marso says there have been two generous gifts already donated to Oahe Hockey…
Other details to the PAYSA will be a fire suppression system, along with benches, locker room expansion and referee room, seating with heat, concessions, bathroom and warming area to make it game ready. There will also be parking lot improvements with a scoreboard and sound system. At the Expo Center, they will have a formal evaluation by an expert and action to address ice issues and review other ice maintenance needs. Marso says this campaign will be a benefit to not just the hockey association but to the Pierre and Ft. Pierre area.
You can go to oahehockey.org and click on the “Capitalize” tab to learn more and to donate. There are sponsorship opportunities still available and you can call Marso at 605-280-8252 or by email at [email protected].
