In support of the Hillsborough Hogs staying at the OC Sportsplex

[Kristen Stolka]

Dear Orange County Commissioners, 

I'm writing to share my support for the Hillsborough Hogs/TYHNC hockey team to keep their organization based at the Orange County Sportsplex. 

My son played hockey with the Hillsborough Hogs from age 6 to 11. Although we live in Chapel Hill, I felt so lucky that he had this opportunity to learn hockey with a well-established team less than 30 minutes from our house. If the Hillsborough Hogs didn't exist, the only other options we would have had to join a recreational hockey team would be to travel out to Greensboro or Cary/Raleigh, which would not have happened due to the distance and time required to participate. 

Unfortunately our kids live in a society where there is a lot of pressure to specialize in a sport and become an elite athlete at a young age. Hockey is no exception and it can be an expensive and time consuming sport. However, the Hillsborough Hogs breaks this mold by offering kids the chance to learn hockey at ANY age and ANY skill level in a way that doesn't break the bank or preclude kids from doing other things they love. The Hogs have always been about having fun first! If a kid doesn't have all the equipment, they will find it for you. I have never seen such dedicated coaches who love teaching kids to play hockey the way the Hogs coaches do. Hogs coaches are always the most respectful coaches at games. This team gives every kid, regardless of background, ability, and income, a chance to play and improve at hockey.

I always thought the OC Sportsplex was meant to offer affordable and accessible sports to all people in Orange County. I also thought the county played a role in the decisions made at the Sportsplex. However, the so-called outside management of the Sportsplex is making decisions about the Sportsplex's offerings, without considering what its members or users may actually want. The fact that decisions were made without stakeholder feedback is unsettling. 

I ask that you find a way to help TYHNC Hillsborough Hogs negotiate a compromise with the OC Sportsplex. 

Many thanks for your service to our county, 

Kristen Stolka