Hamlet hosts hockey day, Blackburn Hamlet thankful for volunteer-maintained rinks

Posted Feb 16, 2012 By Brier Dodge

EMC news - Hockey day is coming up in Blackburn Hamlet, celebrating the rinks developed in the community and putting them to good use.

On Feb. 18 the Blackburn Community Association will host Hockey Day in the Hamlet from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Norman Johnston outdoor rink at 2401 Cleroux Cr.

"We did it for the first time last year, and this one certainly promises to be much bigger," said association president Laura Dudas.

The Timbits will be playing from 10 a.m. to noon, but with the second rink at Norman Johnston, there will be skating for everyone the whole day.

In the afternoon, the skills competition will take centre stage. No pre-registration is necessary, and it will start around 1 p.m. following speeches.

The skills competition is geared towards the younger skaters, but adults are also encouraged to bring their skates by and enter.

Speeches will be made by special guests, including Coun. Rainer Bloess, Mayor Jim Watson, MPP Phil McNeely and MP Royal Galipeau, starting at noon.

The day wouldn't be complete without food and hot chocolate, live entertainment, and a variety of "very desirable" prizes donated from sponsors, Dudas said.

Blackburn has been fortunate to have their outdoor rinks open almost every day this season, something that many other outdoor rinks haven't been able to accomplish with the warm winter.

Dudas credits it to the strong ice base that volunteers were able to get down at the rinks this year, and the lead volunteer Ali Yassine.

"Our volunteers have just been out there all hours of the day and night to make sure things are smooth and clear," she said.

There's no alternate weather date for this event, which will run regardless.

"We're a hearty bunch, particularly out there in the hamlet," Dudas said.