UHS to co-sponsor pond hockey event

UHS will be a co-sponsor of an upcoming pond hockey event to benefit the Mental Health Association of the Southern Tier.

UHS' Rick Boland was one of the key speakers at a Jan. 8 news conference announcing the 2018 Binghamton Pond Festival. The news conference was held at Chenango Valley State Park, scheduled to be the site of the upcoming pond hockey festival.

Rick is project manager for UHS' participation in New York State's Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) program. As one of the organizers of the outdoor hockey festival, he was asked to speak on behalf of UHS.

UHS Sports Medicine is a sponsor of the annual festival, with events scheduled over three weekends in January at State Park. The weekends are Jan. 12 to 14, special hockey pond festival; Jan. 19 to 21, youth hockey; and Jan. 26 to 28, adult hockey.

This is the festival's third year. Hockey fans of all ages attend the events. Adult teams play in tournament competition, and children are able to experience the excitement of outdoor hockey.

In connection with the American Special Hockey Association, special teams are able to enjoy the sport as well. In addition to hockey, the weekends will feature live music, fireworks, refreshments, wintertime games and a visit from Animal Adventure.

During its first two years, the fest raised $13,000 to benefit the Mental Health Association and its "Do It for Darren" initiatives focusing on youth mental health awareness and youth suicide prevention.

"By growing into three separate weekends, the festival hopes to donate even more in years to come," Rick said.