(back row left to right: Allan Yull and Liz McFarlane - front row left to right: Chris Bujold and Garry Inglis)
They got the first chance at the myFM Centre’s new ice pad and will be making use of it for some time.
Renfrew’s new accessible ice pad is expected to be a boon for Community Living Renfrew County South and the Renfrew Icepickers sledge hockey team.
Executive Director for Community Living, Jennifer Lavallee, says the Icepickers being the first to use the rink earlier this month was a proud moment during a year of celebration.
Making the new ice accessible was a goal for Icepicker and volunteer with Community Living Renfrew County South, Allan Yull.
He and his outreach team were in regular contact with the town to promote the concept, which saw features like sledge-friendly floors between the locker rooms and the rink, transparent boards along the benches so players on sledges could see the action, a wheelchair-friendly viewing area, and more.
Community Living Support Worker Liz McFarlane says the sledge hockey program has come a long way from the early days where they were making their own sledges.
On that note, Community Living Renfrew County South is eager to get you to try the sport out, with a pair of chances in the coming months.
Your first chance will be part of the Frewfest Winter Carnival over the Family Day Long Weekend, February 19th, at 9:30 a.m. Minimal equipment is required.
The Icepickers will be holding a friendly game in honour of their program’s 20th anniversary and the 60th for Community Living at 11:00 a.m. on March 14th. If you would like to play, be sure to get to the myFM Centre by 10:15 a.m.
McFarlane adds that the Icepickers will be at the myFM Centre to play Thursday mornings at 10:30, and community members are encouraged to come watch.
(written by Kasey Egan)
