Hockey

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Ralph Stewart

It was a challenge to find a parking spot along North Water Street in Edgartown two Fridays back, thanks to the annual benefit auction for the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School boys hockey team held at the Harbor View Hotel. More than 100 hockey supporters of all stripes were in the house, drawn out in the cold by a good meal, the chance to talk hockey, and a huge selection of loot to bid on.

A silent auction showcased dozens of enticing items, ranging from wine to skates, fishing gear, coffee, paintings, a bread basket (literally), and autographed sports memorabilia. Later, live auction attractions included tickets to the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, Red Sox, and NASCAR; getaways to Florida, including Cape Coral and Ft. Lauderdale, and Bermuda; staycations at the Hob Knob Inn, the Ashley Inn, and the Harbor View Hotel; fishing or sailing charters with Capts. Jennifer Clarke, Rob Coad, or Greg Googan; local meals and local deals; or creative services like having the boys’ hockey team show up at your home with rakes instead of sticks to spruce up your yard for spring.

Once again, the Vineyard Hockey Boosters put on a great evening, raising nearly $10,000 to supply the boys with jerseys, jackets, skate-sharpening, travel to pre-season scrimmages, and scholarships in memory of Ryan Mone and Eric MacLean.

President Meredith Goldthwait and vice-president Bill Davies were the prime movers behind the event, but they had plenty of help from a group of dedicated parents who came up with creative and valuable donations from individuals and organizations across the Island and overseas as well.