By Tyler Maheu, Staff Sportswriter
Young athletes from around the region and beyond have been spending their summer chilling out at Woodstock’s Union Arena.
Woodstock Youth Hockey’s two summer programs, Fireworks on Ice and Girls Rule the Rink, began on June 24 and have been giving kids a chance to improve their hockey skills. “We try to offer some type of summer program when ice is in at Union Arena,” said Woodstock Youth Hockey (WYH) President Dana Kaye.
Both programs are offered to athletes born between 2010 and 2017 (with some exceptions for a few born in 2018). Fireworks on Ice is WYH’s co-ed option and features three age groups with firecracker-themed names: the Bang Snaps (2015-2017), Sparklers (2013-2015) and Bottle Rockets (2010-2013). Kaye said that this summer saw 100 register to play, with drop-in reservations available.
Described as a “pickup game atmosphere,” kids in each age group are typically split into three teams during their designated ice time: red, white and blue. Then the teams play each other in a round-robin format. “It gets kids on the ice, playing with a bunch of kids from all over,” said Kaye. “Maybe even their classmates from a neighboring hockey program. It’s something fun for kids to do in the summertime.” The last date for Fireworks on Ice is July 23.
Girls Rule the Rink is WYH’s girls-only program, which is in its first year of operation. Skaters signed up for four dates of action: June 24, July 8, July 16, and July 22. According to Kaye, the group places an emphasis on confidence and skill-building over competition.
“We are focused on bringing girls together, skill building, fun drills and building confidence,” she said. “They’ve had a lot of fun. It’s all about empowering the girls to get on the ice in a male-dominant sport.”
Around 15 girls registered for the program, but Kaye is not worried about the lower turnout. “We’re in the first year, so this is the building stage,” she said. “We are really happy with those numbers and are looking forward to next year and building on it.”
Skaters have come from all over this year to participate. Vermonters have come from as close as down the street in Woodstock or Barnard, to as far north as Stowe. Several New Hampshire skaters have made the trip, as well as a couple of athletes on summer vacation from Florida and Ohio. “We are able to pull in people who are just visiting for the summer,” said Kaye. “Our program welcomes any and all area residents.”
For some, summer hockey has been a way to beat the heat. “Maybe not everyone knows how to swim, but maybe they really love hockey and skating,” she said. “Who doesn’t love getting a break from this heat? The rink is always cool, and it is a nice way to cool off in the summer.”
Ultimately, the summer programs provided a space for kids to learn a love for the game. “I think getting kids on the ice in the summer is a great way to keep them engaged, keep them interested and keep building up their skills,” she said. “This program just allows them to have fun.”
For more information and to sign up for drop-in play, visit woodstockyouthhockey.org.
