NORTHPORT — Midcoast field hockey players have a new opportunity at the sport’s club level this spring thanks to the relocation of an established club field hockey. 

As of earlier this month, the Black Bear Elite club has moved from Orono to the Midcoast, with its home territory being Point Lookout in Northport. 

As part of the move, the club changed ownership with Belmont resident Sam Shorey becoming the new owner and director of the club. 

Shorey, who owns a childcare with his wife in Belmont, has strong ties to the sport as the couple’s four daughters are members of the club. 

“Field Hockey is a sport our whole family is passionate about,” Shorey said. “We can be found enjoying our vacations traveling together to and from Field Hockey events all over the East Coast. When the opportunity came to take over the club, there was no hesitation for me.”

Shorey opted to move the club to Waldo County due to the amount of talented players in the Midcoast. 

“My goal is to make sure there is an affordable club for girls to play and grow their skill as well as gain confidence in themselves, too,” he said. 

Another key selling point to bring the club to the Midcoast was the availability of the turf fields at Point Lookout and the opportunity to attract top-notch coaches from around the area. 

Those who join the club will be able to play field hockey year round and attend highly regarded tournaments organized by USA Field Hockey, Shooting Star and 4Goals, in addition to tournaments organized by other clubs and universities. Exposure to collegiate coaches will be available at a number of tournaments in which the club participates. 

The team held its first session of tryouts April 20 and will have a second session on Saturday, April 27. 

Those eligible to play for the under-10, under-12 and under-14 teams will participate in tryouts from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Those eligible for the under-16 and under-19 teams will participate in tryouts from 10:30 a.m. to noon. 

The tryout fee will be $25. The session fee for eight practices will be $275 if paid on or before May 11 and $300 for those paying after May 11. 

The tournament fee, for those selected, will be $150 per tournament. A complete tournament list can be obtained through the club. 

Though tryouts are being conducted this month, Shorey noted girls can join the club at any time, though they may not be selected to play in tournaments. 

For more information, contact Sam at blackbearelitefieldhockey@gmail.com. The club can also be found on Facebook at Facebook.com/blackbearelitefh. 

Reach George Harvey and the sports department at: sports@penbaypilot.com.