At Alexandria Bay High School they're talking about erasing the lines to old sports rivalries and merging with a neighboring district. The school held a public forum about the merger. Our Amanda Kelley tells us about why they are taking it into consideration and what opinions the community brought to the table.

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Alexandria Bay Central Superintendent Robert Wagoner said, "Right now, realistically, the hockey merger is a realistic option. Both communities have seen their numbers drop in terms of participation and this would give us an opportunity to make sure our programs continue."

A public forum Tuesday night allowed the community to share opinions on both a hockey and football merger. For right now it looks like merging the gridiron teams may be postponed.

Wagoner said, "Because that would have a bigger impact in terms of who we play, that's a tougher question and something that I see not really happening this year."

Some questioned whether a rivalry between the schools would keep this from happening.

Alexandria Bay Minor Hockey League Association member and parent Ronald Beach said, "I think that the rivalry that was in the past is exactly what was said tonight. A Rivalry. This day in age, these kids, they're friends."

Most coaches and parents say that safety on the ice is a major reason to combine the teams.

Thousand Islands Hockey Assistant Coach Joe Eppolito said, "All hockey programs are faced with having younger players play at a level that they're not supposed to be playing physically, socially and emotionally."

Although many community members and coaches are in favor of the merger, they say actions need to be taken soon. The season is right around the corner and there are so many details to work out.

Eppolito said, "About practices, game times, uniforms, league and schedule opportunities, being able to satisfy every kid."

These details all need attention and on a short deadline. But it will be up to the School Board to make the first move.

Beach said, "If it doesn't happen I think it's going to be detrimental to not only Alex Central, but also T.I. Maybe not this year, but definitely within the next couple years."

Both the Thousand Islands School Board and Alexandria Central School district would both have to vote in favor of the merger for it to actually happen. The merger could save Alexandria Central about fifteen thousand dollars.