The traditional rivalry in high school hockey between South Portland and Portland has been set aside this winter as the two schools have united to form the Portland/South Portland Beacons, a cooperative team representing both schools. This unique collaboration has been necessitated by the need for unity in facing the challenges of the current season.
The merger has resulted in the creation of a team boasting a total of 22 players from South Portland, Deering, and Portland. This season, the usual division between the hockey programs at South Portland, Portland, and Deering high schools has been replaced by camaraderie and teamwork.
Although the idea of merging four schools into one team seemed daunting, the decision to represent the two cities in the team’s name was a step towards unity. The name “Beacons” was chosen for the team, and the colours of navy, scarlet, and white were approved by all participating schools.
The new team has begun the season strongly and is set to play a game against Falmouth at the Troubh Arena. The Portland/South Portland team, which opened the season with a win, is looking forward to maintaining its winning streak.
Last season, the Portland/Deering cooperative team was unable to participate in a varsity schedule due to the lack of a goalie. However, this year, the addition of players from South Portland has bolstered the team, creating a more competitive and capable lineup.
The road to the creation of the Portland/South Portland Beacons began early last summer when the schools started planning and the players began training together. The seamless transition was made possible by the fact that many of the players had already played together in youth hockey leagues.
With players from different schools coming together, this cooperative team exemplifies the spirit of teamwork and collaboration. Despite being bitter rivals in other sports, the players have embraced the opportunity to combine their talents and create a stronger, more competitive team.
The players have expressed their excitement and optimism for the season, with many of them seeing the merger as a positive step towards achieving success. Their ability to come together and set aside traditional rivalries in the name of sportsmanship and team spirit is commendable and inspiring.
As the Beacons embrace the challenges of the season, they are driven by the determination to make a deep playoff run and achieve success as a united team. The camaraderie and shared goal of winning have created a sense of unity and purpose among the players, which will undoubtedly propel the team to greater heights.
The collaboration between South Portland, Portland, and Deering in forming the Portland/South Portland Beacons is a testament to the power of teamwork and the potential for success that arises when different entities come together for a common goal. It is a reminder that in the face of challenges, unity and collaboration can lead to exceptional achievements.