Help Launch the Portland Flames Ice Hockey Program

Goal: $7,500

Every athlete deserves the opportunity to experience the confidence, friendships, and sense of belonging that come from being part of a team.

For many individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Southern Maine, that opportunity has not existed in the game of hockey.

The Portland Flames are proud to launch the Portland Flames Ice Hockey Program, expanding opportunities for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the game of hockey.

Supporting this effort are the Open Ice Foundation, Portland Fire Hockey Club, and Coastal Fire Hockey, organizations committed to helping provide the equipment, resources, instruction, and community support needed to build a successful and sustainable program.

Together, we are creating a place where athletes can discover the game, develop confidence, build friendships, and experience the excitement of being part of a team.

With your support, we can raise $7,500 to provide the equipment, training tools, and resources needed to make this program possible and sustainable for years to come.

Why We Need Your Help

Launching a hockey program requires much more than simply securing ice time.

Many athletes entering the Portland Flames Ice Hockey Program will be experiencing hockey for the very first time. To create a safe, successful, and enjoyable experience, athletes need access to proper equipment, instruction, learn-to-skate tools, and adaptive resources that support their individual needs.

Our goal is to raise $7,500 to provide the resources necessary to build a program that welcomes athletes of all abilities and gives them the opportunity to succeed on and off the ice.

Funds raised will help provide:

Team jerseys and hockey socks
Hockey sticks
Helmets and protective equipment
Gloves and equipment bags
Learn-to-skate training aids
Balance and skating support equipment
On-ice instructional tools
Practice equipment and training resources
Adaptive equipment to support individual athlete needs
Equipment storage and organizational supplies
Replacement and supplemental equipment as the program grows

Every dollar raised directly supports the Portland Flames Ice Hockey Program and helps remove barriers to participation.

More Than Hockey

This program is about more than learning how to skate.

It is about confidence.

It is about friendship.

It is about belonging.

It is about creating opportunities for athletes to challenge themselves, celebrate achievements, and become part of a supportive team environment.

Sports have the power to transform lives. They teach perseverance, teamwork, communication, and self-confidence. They create friendships and foster a sense of purpose and community.

The Portland Flames Ice Hockey Program will provide athletes with the opportunity to experience all of those benefits through the game of hockey.

Your Impact

Every donation makes a difference.

Whether you contribute $25, $100, $500, or more, your generosity helps provide equipment, instruction, and opportunities that will impact athletes for years to come.

Together, we can build a program where athletes of all abilities are welcomed, supported, and given the opportunity to succeed through hockey.

Thank you for helping us create new opportunities through the game we love.

About the Organizations

Portland Flames

The Portland Flames are a community-based athletic organization founded by FF/P Justin Greenlaw. Their mission is to provide individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities opportunities to participate in sports, build confidence, develop friendships, and experience the sense of belonging that comes from being part of a team.

Through programs including soccer, basketball, bowling, and track and field, the Portland Flames have helped athletes discover new opportunities and achieve personal growth through sports.

The Portland Flames Ice Hockey Program is the newest addition to their efforts to expand opportunities for the athletes they serve.

Open Ice Foundation

The Open Ice Foundation is a Maine-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by FF/B Ryan Griffin with the belief that hockey should be accessible to everyone.

The Foundation works to remove financial and equipment-related barriers to participation through equipment assistance, community partnerships, and hockey-focused programming.

The Open Ice Foundation is proud to be a recipient and partner of the NHLPA Goals & Dreams program, the National Hockey League Players’ Association’s signature charitable initiative dedicated to growing the game and making hockey more accessible around the world.

Through this partnership, the Foundation has received support to help expand access to hockey and create new opportunities for individuals and organizations throughout Maine.

The mission of the Open Ice Foundation is simple: create opportunities, remove barriers, and ensure that everyone has the chance to experience the life-changing benefits of hockey.

Portland Fire Hockey Club

The Portland Fire Hockey Club is made up of firefighters who share a passion for hockey, teamwork, and community service.

As a key supporter of the Portland Flames Ice Hockey Program, members of Portland Fire Hockey Club volunteer their time on the ice, providing instruction, coaching, mentorship, and encouragement to athletes as they learn the game.

From teaching basic skating skills to helping athletes gain confidence and develop hockey fundamentals, these firefighters play a critical role in the success of the program.

Their commitment, knowledge, and willingness to work directly with athletes is helping turn the vision of the Portland Flames Ice Hockey Program into a reality. Simply put, without their support on the ice, this program would not be possible.

Coastal Fire Hockey

Founded by FF/P Brian Pond, Coastal Fire Hockey is a firefighter hockey organization made up of active and retired firefighters from across the region who share a passion for hockey and a commitment to giving back to their communities.

Throughout the year, Coastal Fire Hockey participates in games and tournaments throughout New England while supporting charitable causes, nonprofit organizations, and community initiatives.

Later this year, Coastal Fire Hockey will host the Coastal Fire Classic, continuing its tradition of using hockey as a platform to support meaningful causes and strengthen communities.

As a partner in this initiative, Coastal Fire Hockey is helping raise awareness, support, and resources for the Portland Flames Ice Hockey Program and the athletes it serves.

Together, the Portland Flames, Open Ice Foundation, Portland Fire Hockey Club, Coastal Fire Hockey, NHLPA Goals & Dreams, and supporters throughout our community are working to ensure every athlete has the opportunity to find their place on the ice.

A Place on the Ice

Creating opportunities through hockey for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Program Note: The Portland Flames Ice Hockey Club is a private hockey clinic designed specifically for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program is independently operated and is made possible through the dedicated partnership of Portland Flames, Open Ice Foundation, Portland Fire Hockey Club, and Coastal Fire Hockey.

A Place on the Ice

Creating opportunities through hockey for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Team Members