Letters to the editor...Older `kid' appreciates icemaker's efforts

Dear editor, I've been reading and listening to all the negativity about the perils of winter recently but would like to say my friends and I look at winter differently, particularly if you are retired and lucky enough to live in this community. There is adult skating for anyone lucky enough to be able to give it a shot and is available five days a week at Mold-Masters SportsPlex. Recently I have seen the Jr. A Raiders in action playing an exciting brand of hockey. Between periods I caught a rep hockey game and the day before some figure skating. I tip my hat to the late Bob Lane and many of his friends (and my friends) every time I go through the arena door. We owe them a lot. However, I must express my appreciation to Seth Patriquin. With a kick-start from the Town, Seth maintains the open-air rink near George Kennedy Public School and has been doing so for four years. I've seen him plowing and flooding the rink at midnight. On one recent PD day about 20 teenagers were honing their skills for hours. Another day, with the temperature at -18C I saw an eight-year-old and his 13-year-old brother, both good players, out showing their passion for the "good old game". They were at it again the next day when conditions were even more severe. Two years ago I saw a parent with a five-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl giving it a try. The boy could barely stand up. However, two months later, because of the efforts of a parent and Seth, they put on a clinic. I was lucky enough to watch this from my kitchen window. I understand there are rinks in other parts of town maintained by people concerned about the wellbeing of the children and the love of the game. Many kids appreciate their efforts and I am one of them. Keep your stick on the ice. Eric Mitchell, Georgetown