POTSDAM – The effort to raise money for a new scoreboard at the village’s Pine Street Arena has reached the original goal of $13,000.

The three 1973 Potsdam High School graduates behind it are now consulting with the village about how to spend extra funds.

The scoreboard will be dedicated to 1973 Potsdam High School graduate Brian Jacot, a multi-sport athlete who died two years ago. He served as co-captain of the first high school team to play in the arena in 1972-73.

Two of the fundraisers, Steve Barney and Chip Giordano, were cousins and sports teammates of “Jake” while the third, Scott Conroe, was a friend and classmate.

“We got to $14,000 and donations are still coming in,” Conroe said. “We are now looking at other aspects of the arena that the money could be used for, that we think will be acceptable to donors and that Jake would have approved of.”

The three have been gathering input from Trey Smutz, the village recreation director, throughout the process. Their ideas include heating for the concession space, and improvements to the boys’ locker room, which is the visitors’ locker room for girls’ games.

The scoreboard now can be ordered in time for the hockey season. The donations will also cover any shipping and installation costs.

Jacot served as co-captain of football, baseball and hockey as a senior. He was All-Northern in football and baseball. He also was a high honor student and member of National Honor Society. 

Jacot earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in geotechnical engineering from Clarkson University, where he played JV hockey and varsity baseball. He founded Greystone Engineering in Saratoga Springs, where he and his wife Paula raised their children Michaele-Lynne and Gregory, and where he coached youth sports. He died of pancreatic cancer in April 2022 at 67.

The current scoreboard – installed in the 1980s – has many burned-out bulbs, and that model is no longer manufactured. The new scoreboard from Nevco will show timeclock, penalties, goals, and shots on goal. 

Conroe said the group understands that many people played significant roles in Potsdam hockey over the years. There may be opportunities to honor them by name, when the village expands the arena. That project is planned to begin next year.

If you wish to donate, you can either: Mail a check made out to Charles Giordano, to Chip at 722 Noyes Road, Potsdam, NY 13676 or; visit NBT Bank at 6554 NY-56, Potsdam, and make out the check to Jake’s Scoreboard.