@nicolesorce

PORTLAND, M.E. – Sometimes all it takes is a little team bonding and a meeting of the minds to make a difference in the community. During the rainy week prior to the Portland Pirates’ second home game of the season at Cross Insurance Arena, the guys came up with an idea.

Alex Bolduc signs a young fan’s t-shirt during a Portland Pirates season ticket holder event. (Nicole Sorce – April 2015)

Spearheaded by Captain Alex Bolduc, the Pirates took their desire to interact with Portland’s youth hockey community to the next level. Thanks to the generosity of the team, youth hockey players from the Southern Maine Youth Hockey Association will be attending this Saturday’s home game against the Syracuse Crunch – for free.

“We have a great group of guys here, and we have great people here in Portland, so when we have a chance to help kids in the area get to a game, we’re going to do it,” said Bolduc.

This “random act of kindness” is something the Pirates hope to continue throughout the season to connect with the local youth hockey community. They have a goal of reaching out to all of Maine’s associations before April 2015 comes to an end to help keep kids motivated to follow their dreams.

A young fan was given the opportunity to watch his hometown heroes warm up from the bench. (Nicole Sorce – December 2014)

“We knew we had a long road in the community this year to regain the trust of some fans after the tough season last year,” Bolduc continued, “so the players and I are taking steps to mend that relationship within the community.”

It’s safe to assume that some of the motivation behind the Pirates’ thoughtfulness comes directly from the influence of Pirates owner Ron Cain, who is well known for his own philanthropic contributions to charity and the community.

“Having Ron here is a huge boost to the community and our team, and we are lucky to have such a great owner,” concluded the captain.