Sports
It is months away from the start of both the recreational and commercial fishing season, yet already there is change ahead. Fisheries managers, looking at the health of fish stocks, are making a regulatory forecast and some predictions about the availability of fish for the year ahead.
Striped bass, one of the most precious resources in our waters, will likely be more scarce this summer, and anglers who love to catch fluke will likely be able to take more home.
Sharks
The Martha’s Vineyard Sharks, the Island’s wooden bat collegiate summer team, has re-signed standout starring pitcher Matt Hegarty for its second annual season. Team general manager Jerry Murphy said Matt Hegarty produced stellar numbers last year and demonstrated impeccable control. “He was part of our big three in the rotation,” said Bob Tankard, the team’s vice president of operations.
At least two Vineyard teams will see postseason action in March, with both the boys’ hockey and basketball teams clinching tournament berths this week.
Students in Elaine Weintraub’s Irish history class at the regional high school took their studies outside on Monday, trying their hand at one of the oldest sports in the world, the Gaelic game of hurling.
Youth Hockey Signup
Grow MV Youth Hockey is offering an instructional winter session for four-to nine-year-olds to try ice hockey this winter at the Martha’s Vineyard Ice Arena in Oak Bluffs. The program is free for birth year 2005 and younger and $30 for older youngsters. Beginner skaters will be coached and learn basic ice skating and ice hockey skills while playing fun games on the ice.
Martha’s Vineyard Youth Hockey hosted the Ryan Mone Memorial Tournament last weekend, with the MV Mites and the MV Squirts (White team) each taking second place in their respective divisions. The Purple Squirts team took third place after winning the consolation game 7-1 on the back of Hunter Ponte’s seven goals.