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Pirates Announce New Scholarships in Celebration of College Savings Month

October 4, 2010 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


Portland, Maine - The Portland Pirates, Portland Sea Dogs and Maine Red Claws mascots came together today to announce their partnership with the NextGen 529 College Savings Program. Collectively the teams will provide eleven $1,000 scholarships for Maine students. The assembly of these team mascots comes as the Pirates and Red Claws join the Sea Dogs in launching their own scholarships through the NextGen Program.

With expenses rising every year, it's more important than ever to start saving and investing early for college. These new scholarships will help bring the dream of attending college one step closer for Maine families. Placed in the NextGen 529 program from the start, these scholarships will help the winners take their first steps on campus.

The criteria for the scholarships are decided by each individual team. The Pirates will award a $1,000 3-Stars Scholarship to three deserving students in each grade category: K-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Students will be asked to respond to a topic selected by the Pirates by submitting an essay (or a picture for the younger contestants). Winners are selected prior to the Portland Pirates' final regular season game and awarded the scholarship during the game.

"This is a terrific opportunity for the Portland Pirates to partner with NextGen in a scholarship program which will have meaningful financial impact on a young student's future educational expenses," said Pirates Managing Owner/CEO Brian Petrovek. "We are looking forward to seeing the quality work that will be submitted by prospective candidates and we will be encouraging all students to enter this exciting 3-Stars Scholarship Program."

In conjunction with the NextGen Most Improved Student Program, the Portland Sea Dogs award $1,000 NextGen Field of Dreams Scholarships to three deserving students in each grade level group: K-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Students are asked to respond to a topic selected by the Sea Dogs in an essay (for the older contestants) or submitting a picture (for the younger contestants). The winners are selected prior to the Sea Dogs' NextGen Field of Dreams game and awarded the scholarship at the game.

"With the cost of college going up every year, the power of these scholarships and the NextGen College Savings Program can't be underestimated," said Geoff Iacuessa, the General Manager of the Portland Sea Dogs.

Each year the Sea Dogs receive thousands of essays from students across the state. "It is tough to pick just three winners but hopefully getting students and their families to think about college, through these essays, will not only inspire them to continue their education but will also get parents to look into the NextGen College Savings Program. We're thankful for the Maine Red Claws and the Portland Pirates for joining us this year. By these teams stepping up and creating their own scholarship programs, more Maine students are getting the opportunity and incentive to further their education."

The Red Claws are asking schools to nominate 4th grade students in whom they see potential but perhaps that student doesn't see it in themselves.

"Studies have shown that children with college funds are more likely to picture themselves going to college and that by 4th grade, children have already started to formulate an idea that they are or are not college material," said Jon Jennings, Red Claws President and General Manager. "Our hope is that these scholarships will provide that spark that will make them think 'I can go to college, too' and will give their parents a way to help make that goal come true."

NextGen helps families make the dream of attending college possible. Since its launch in 1999, the breadth of investment choices has increased from just one option, to now over 39 investment portfolios between the NextGen Client Direct Series and Client Select Series. There are many benefits that come from an investment in the NextGen plan, including potential tax savings, control and choice over your investment options, low investment minimums and plenty of flexibility in choices. Visit www.famemaine.com for more information on how to enroll.

About the NextGen© 529 Plan The Maine College Savings Program, also known as NextGen, was created by the Maine Legislature in 1999 as a qualified tuition program under Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code. It is a tax-advantaged investing program of the Finance Authority of Maine designed to help families prepare for higher education expenses. Merrill Lynch is the program manager and underwriter of the plan. Anyone can open an account, regardless of income or residency, and assets can be used at any U.S. accredited post-secondary institution. Matching grants are available to eligible families.

About the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) FAME is a quasi-independent state agency that provides innovative financial solutions to help Maine citizens pursue business and higher education opportunities. To learn more about FAME, please visit www.famemaine.com.

Please remember there's always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities.

The NextGen Plan is a Section 529 plan administered by the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME). Before you invest in the NextGen plan, request a NextGen College Investing Plan Program Description from your Maine bank or financial advisor, or call FAME at 1-800-228-3734 and read it carefully. The Program Description contains more complete information, including investment objectives, charges, expenses and risks of investing in the NextGen plan, which you should carefully consider before investing. You also should consider whether your home state or your designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's 529 plan. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, a registered broker-dealer, member SIPC, is the program manager and underwriter.

1 To be eligible for the favorable tax treatment afforded to any earnings portion of withdrawals from Section 529 accounts, withdrawals must be for "qualified higher education expenses," as defined in the Internal Revenue Code.

2 Source: Fame, as of June 30, 2010

3 Source: Merrill Lynch, as of June 30, 2010

The Pirates open their 18th season of competition, the 34th season of AHL action at the Cumberland County Civic Center this Saturday (October 9th) when the Manchester Monarchs visit the Cumberland County Civic Center for a 7 p.m. contest. Join the Pirates for the first Bud Light Hockey Night in Portland game of the season. The first 2,500 fans into the game receive a free Pirates magnetic schedule courtesy of JobsInME.com, the "Official Job Board" of the Pirates and the first 5,000 fans receive a free Portland Press Herald Pirates Preview Section. Tickets for the home opener, as well as each of the 39 other Pirates home games, are on sale now at the Cumberland County Civic Center Box Office or on-line at ticketmaster.com.

Now is the time to cash in on great savings by purchasing discounted ticket plans and advance tickets for the Pirates 2010-11 season. Ticket packages are available to meet all budgets and schedules. Call a Pirates Ticket representative today at 207-828-4665 ext. 350 to see what you've been missing!

$50 Gets You The Best Seat in the House: Pirates 2010-11 Season Ticket Packages are now available. Season Ticket prices remain unchanged for the second straight season! Pirates Season Ticket Holders enjoy numerous benefits including guaranteed seat location, great savings compared to Box Office prices, flexible payment options and Season Ticket Holders never waste a ticket. For a limited time, Premium Main Deck Tickets are available at Main Deck Pricing! To reserve your 2010-11 Season Tickets call the Pirates office at 207-828-4665 x350.

The Portland Pirates, the AHL affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres, are entering their 18th season as a member of the American Hockey League while the Cumberland County Civic Center hosts AHL play for its 34th season. Calder Cup Champions in 1993-94 and finalists in 1995-96, the Pirates have been home to a total of 230 players who have gone on to play in the National Hockey League.

Celebrating its 75th anniversary, the AHL continues to serve as the top development league for all 30 National Hockey League teams. More than 85 percent of today's NHL players are American Hockey League graduates, and for the ninth year in a row, more than 6 million fans attended AHL games across North America in 2009-10.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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