To The Editor:
I would like to thank The Valley Reporter for the wonderful article they wrote about my son Jakob, Skatium and the sport of sled hockey. Having been a part of the sport for only three years now, I find the sport filled with the most remarkable human beings that I have ever come across. Many of the players face challenges every day that make it nearly impossible to participate in a sport, let alone a rough sport like hockey.
One of the hardest issues for any new team is to find ice time. Typically most rinks are filled up with various groups and their ice time rental is the rink’s main source of income. Skatium approached us and offered us not only the ice time but also the time at no cost as it was important to them that people with disabilities also get opportunities to enjoy the sport of skating. This outpouring of community support has totally warmed the hearts of the players involved with sled hockey and their supporters. As for most of our players, playing the game of hockey is only one aspect of the sport. Being on a team, traveling and meeting new people gives them memorable experiences and opportunities to make life-lasting friendships that they might otherwise miss out on.
The fact that Skatium, which faces their own financial burdens, generously donated time to our players demonstrates the caring and compassionate group of people they are. We will soon see ice at Skatium and hope that community members might come out to watch us, learn more about our sport and perhaps even join us. Sled hockey is open to all. Most importantly, we hope that you might consider getting a pass at Skatium to support them as they support us.
Troy Kingsbury
Waitsfield
