Bowdoin Hockey Teams Host United Way Fundraising Games January 30, February 7

Bowdoin College staged United Way fundraising events at two home hockey games this season, using campus athletic contests to raise money and awareness for local health and social supports. The women’s squad hosted Amherst on Friday, January 30 at 7:00 p.m., and the men’s team will face Amherst on Saturday, February 7 at 3:00 p.m., with both contests designated as United Way games.

Bowdoin Athletics announced the initiative on January 27, explaining that “Both games will feature a fundraising chuck‑a‑puck during the second intermission.” Fans were told that “Pucks will be sold on the concourse, with prizes generously donated by The Brunswick Hotel and Flight Deck.” The athletics release also emphasized that “Admission to both games is free,” inviting broad community participation at the Bowdoin home venues in Brunswick.

The events tie directly to the work of United Way of Mid Coast Maine, an organization the college highlighted in its announcement. Bowdoin noted that “United Way of Mid Coast Maine supports nearly 41,000 people annually through 50 local programs and initiatives focused on helping children get the best start, building financial stability, and fostering healthy, connected communities.” Since 1956, United Way has worked in Brunswick, Harpswell, and communities across Lincoln, Knox, and Sagadahoc counties by partnering with local organizations to provide access to safe shelter, food, affordable healthcare, quality childcare, and critical support services.

Framing the athletic events as part of a broader campus effort, the athletics release said the games took place “as part of the College's leadership role in this year's United Way campaign.” For a college in a small coastal county, that role can amplify volunteer networks, student engagement, and dollars directed toward basic needs and public health supports that rural and suburban families rely on.

The chuck-a-puck format offers an accessible way for attendees to contribute during intermission, though Bowdoin’s announcement did not specify puck pricing, prize details beyond the donors’ names, or the exact on-site logistics for collecting and transferring proceeds. The specific rink name on campus was not provided in the release; the contests were listed simply as Bowdoin home games in Brunswick.

For residents of Sagadahoc County and neighboring towns, the fundraising games underscore how local institutions can leverage popular community events to support social equity and basic-service infrastructure. The men’s game Saturday, February 7 at 3:00 p.m. remains an opportunity for community members to participate in the campaign and direct modest donations toward services that reach nearly 41,000 people across the midcoast region. For more information, consult United Way of Mid Coast Maine or Bowdoin Athletics.