Open Ice Foundation Start Up

Aim

Give every Maine kid a chance to play hockey by providing scholarships and gear, removing cost and equipment barriers.

Hi, my name is Ryan Griffin and I’m the founder of the Open Ice Foundation. I grew up in Maine where hockey was a huge part of my life, but it was often tough for my family to afford. As the father of a young hockey player, I’ve seen how hockey can shape a child’s life, building teamwork, confidence, and resilience on and off the ice.

The Open Ice Foundation exists to make hockey accessible to every child in Maine through scholarships and new or gently used gear. The name “Open Ice” came from the idea that the foundation should be open to anyone, removing barriers and giving every child the opportunity to experience the sport regardless of their background. Our goal is to break financial barriers so no child has to sit out because of cost or lack of equipment.

With your support, we can cover our start-up fees, become an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and begin helping kids right away. Thank you for believing in our mission and helping us give every child the chance to experience the game that’s shaped so many lives, including mine.

This project successfully funded on 27th October 2025