Portsmouth High School Student Organizes Charity Hockey Game

PORTSMOUTH, RI — Aquidneck Island hockey players will come together this weekend for a very special hockey game. Usually rivals, teams from several schools will play in the second-annual Charity Hockey Exhibition Game.

The game raises money for The Rhode Island Social Skills Academy’s (RISSA) Robin’s Nest, a new program which helps people with disabilities transition from school into the workforce. This year's exhibition was organized by Maxwell Dooley, the team captain at Portsmouth High School, for his senior project.

"The Rhode Island Social Skills Academy is an organization that has a soft spot in my heart," Dooley said. "Having a younger brother with autism, I have a significant appreciation for education and support of life skills for special needs adults. I chose this for my senior project as I felt it was the perfect blend of two passions of mine, hockey and supporting individuals with special needs. I am looking forward to bringing many together for a fun and successful afternoon."

This year's event will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday at the Portsmouth Abbey Ice Rink. Last year's fundraiser collected $3,500 in total.

The exhibition game will includes players from Portsmouth High School and Rogers/Middletown/Rocky Hill Co-op. Following their game, Newport Whalers youth teams will face off, as well as several other fun activities including games, prizes, raffles, silent auctions and more. Tickets cost $5 and all proceeds will go toward the organization.

Bryan Kriner, a special education teacher and the head hockey coach at Portsmouth High School, praised the work of RISSA/Robin's Nest.

"It’s a great organization helping out individuals with disabilities and getting the community sponsorships to help support this fundraiser brings Aquidneck Island together in a unified front which we aim to teach our children in school," Kriner said. "It’s a fantastic way to lead by example and pave the road for our future."

Anyone interested in donating a prize or giveaway item is asked to reach out to Dooley directly.

"Seeing our local businesses support us in this fun and charitable event for the second year in a row is fantastic, and we are excited for another great turnout in community and fan support this year as well," Kriner continued.