The Twin City Titans and the Maine Gladiators announced recently that the two organizations will merge. The merger will create one of the largest youth hockey programs in the state, with over 600 young players competing with teams from other leagues throughout Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. Participants will range in age from 4 to 18, most of them living in the Lewiston-Auburn area.

“We see this as an opportunity to grow both programs and enhance opportunities for local kids” said Denis Berube, president of the Twin City Titans.

Andy Guerin, president of the Maine Gladiators, said that the two organizations have been discussing the merger for some time now. Guerin will assume the role of president of the new organization, which will be called the Maine Gladiators.

The Maine Gladiators will offer teams in Tier II, Tier III, and Tier IV divisions for both boys and girls. The newly combined program will continue to make its home at the Norway Savings Bank Arena in Auburn. The new, state-of-the-art dual ice surface arena has plenty of room for the combined organization and to accommodate the future growth that figures into its plans.

The Maine Gladiators were recently awarded a state grant from the Maine Amateur Hockey Association to grow the game of hockey. Combined with a recently announced Dunkin Donuts Partnership, this will allow the Gladiators to expand their “Learn to Skate” and “Try Hockey for Free” programs.

The Lewiston-Auburn area has a rich tradition of producing outstanding hockey players, and organizers expect that combining the two organizations into one will enhance that tradition. Guerin and Berube both emphasize that the merger is truly a joining of equals and not a takeover. Both organizations are in good fiscal shape, and neither Guerin nor Berube expect any significant changes in cost structure.

“Both organizations are community-based, run by volunteers and not-for-profit,” said Guerin. “We expect that we’ll be able to hold the line on costs. We’ll continue to provide financial support for families in need. And because of the rich heritage of hockey in this community, we can provide highly skilled coaches who are absolutely committed to the kids.”

“We plan to take both programs forward,” Berube said. “Each has strengths that will add to the strength of the overall program. The training, the games, and the tournaments – like the Lion’s Tournament – will move forward, and we expect them to be better than ever.”