Thunder Bay Christian School opens ice rink donated by Staal brothers
Vision for rink is to promote healthy outdoor activity, good sportsmanship, says principal
Friday January 22, 2010 -- Michelle Strutzenberger
Thunder Bay Christian School students can now lace up their skates and spend their recess and gym class time on the school’s new outdoor ice rink.
Officially opened Jan. 18, the $40,000 rink has been built through a donation from the Staal brothers — three of them now National Hockey League (NHL) players and the fourth showing significant potential in the sport as well. The brothers are alumni of the school.
Principal Bea Hayen says the best outcome she foresees from the new rink is the promotion of healthy outdoor activity amongst students, as well as the opportunity to practice good sportsmanship and other positive relational skills as students of varying grade levels skate and play together.
“We also will be using it to foster community spirit among our families,” says Hayen, noting there are plans to re-introduce a former tradition at the school — skate and soup nights — where school families spend an evening on the ice together and then head inside for a bowl of hot soup and fellowship.
The nearly NHL-size rink will also be available for groups to use with permission after school hours.
Henry Staal, father of the four boys, along with his wife Linda, was on hand for the ceremonial ribbon cutting that officially opened the rink last Monday.
Hayen notes the Staals have spoken about the great influence the school had on the lives of their sons and that the donation is an appreciation for what they received there.
The impetus for the rink came originally from the school’s booster club, who thought it would be a great addition to a school where so many students play hockey.
While the building of the rink was contracted out, Hayen notes other activities related to getting the project up and running have required the school community working together.
“There were a lot of volunteer hours put in,” says Hayen.
“The warming house and other things were done by volunteers through materials purchased by our booster club, so it was another opportunity for families to work together to make something good happen for the school.”
Thunder Bay NewsWatch ran a story on the donated rink, which can be viewed at this link.
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