On November 1st, 2021, as part of a service project, students from the Kent Island High School National Honor Society kicked off the inaugural build for Rink2Reef™ Chesapeake Bay. Students constructed 6 reefs from broken ice hockey sticks provided by East Coast Hockey & Skate Supply as well as Laurel Ice Gardens. 

In addition to volunteer members of Rink2Reef™ and students from the Stevensville High School, Rink2Reef was joined by Washington Capitals Ice Hockey Legend Peter Bondra. Bondra provided additional sticks collected from the Washington Capitals.

The students were provided the necessary building materials including pre-cut sticks, monofilament lines and crimps and had to use problem-solving skills to complete the reefs with a little help from their NHS advisor, Rink2Reef™ volunteers and Bondra. Once they got the hang, students began to drill, measure, construct and crimp the reefs until they had produced 6 reeds ready for oyster restoration.

“We couldn’t be happier to see this project come to the Chesapeake Bay ” says Matthew Albers, founder of Rink2Reef™ Chesapeake. Albers is referencing the history of Rink2Reef™ which originated in Florida by Marine Biologist and then Hockey Coach Bob Wozno.

Wozno originally thought of the method and begin constructing reefs several years ago, mainly to test their impact on the waterways and potential for oyster growth. He found the stick are inert and pose no harm to the water and surrounding organisms but do provide ample opportunity for oyster growth as well as other filter-feeding organisms. 

Reefs constructed by the Kent Island High School National Honor Society and Bondra will be some of the first reefs up for sale with proceeds going to ongoing oyster restoration efforts including replanting public oyster beds.

For more information in Rink2Reef™ or to participate in a build day, email Rink2Reef™ at [email protected]