WATERVILLE — The seventh annual Maine Field Hockey Festival will draw 38 teams and the top graduated players from around the state to Thomas College for a day of field hockey and fundraising on Saturday.

Games start at 8 a.m. and continue through the late afternoon, stopping only mid-day for the annual Moe McNally Senior All-Star Game.

In the past, the festival has raised up to $2,000 for charity by donating gate proceeds. This year’s event benefits The Center for Grieving Children.

Chelsea Fournier, of the MFHA, said the event was originally organized to showcase the All-Star game and bring awareness to the charity it supports.

“The Maine Field Hockey Association started the festival in 2009 as a way to promote the sport of field hockey in our state and bring teams from around Maine together for a day of field hockey each summer,” Fournier said.

“This is the highest number of teams we’ve had participate,” she added. “In past years, there were 24 teams, then 28, 32 and 36. But it has grown each year.”

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The highlight of the day is the Moe McNally Senior All-Star Game, named in honor of the former Gardiner field hockey coach and one of the founding members of the MFHA. The East vs. West game features 60 senior all-stars from the 2014 season. The game consists of two 30-minute halves with no overtime.

All of the all-stars will be announced and the national anthem played prior to the game, At halftime, a representative from the Center for Grieving Children will give a short presentation to raise awareness for the organization.

The game is coached by the state championship game coaches, so Winslow’s Mary Beth Bourgoin, Gardiner’s Sharon Gallant and Skowhegan’s Paula Doughty will coach the East. Lisbon’s Julie Petrie and Kelly Mariello of Scarborough will coach the West (York’s Barb Marois will not be attending the festival). Immediately following the game, McNally will present the East and West Most Valuable Player awards.

Local high schools registered to participate in the festival include Waterville, Winslow, Winthrop, Mount View, Skowhegan, MCI, Lawrence, Oak Hill, Nokomis, Cony and Maranacook.

Teams will play at least four games during the day played under National High School Federation rules and officiated by volunteer officials from around the state.

Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students and seniors or $15 for families. Parking is free. Vendors will be there selling field hockey gear and the Thomas College field hockey team will be selling concessions.

Randy Whitehouse — 621-5638

rwhitehouse@mainetoday.com

Twitter: @RAWmaterial33


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