LETHBRIDGE, Alta.: Hundreds of local safety patrollers took turns taking to the ice at the Visiit.Lethbridge.com arena to skate with Lethbridge Hurricanes Players.
The annual event has become something the students look forward to each year.
“It’s really fun. This is a nice little treat after safe with you all. We’re just getting out there for 15 minutes,” said sixth grader Rozalyn White.
While it’s a fun event for the kids, the Alberta Motor Association (AMA) makes sure they’re learning something as well.
Through out the day, the patrollers learn about how to prevent head trauma and the importance of wearing a helmet when you skate.
“We have a couple partners,” said AMA school safety patrol coordinator Allison Purcell. “Our University of Lethbridge, Alberta Health Services brain injury research (colleagues), they’re out here and reminding students that it’s important to always wear a helmet, whether they’re skating, (or) whether they’re biking,”
Members of the Lethbridge Police Service were also on hand to skate with the kids.
LPS has been a long-time supporter of the AMA safety patrollers program.
They believe it’s important to give the patrollers a fun event like this to show appreciation for their work.
“It’s great mentorships and building that,” said LPS youth engagement officer, Donald Realini. “They engage in their program and engage in community later in life.
“Better that they do this and then to build that foundation,” he added.
The Hurricanes players on the ice were happy to be out there with the students.
Through out the years Hurricanes players and staff routinely volunteer their time at different causes throughout Lethbridge.
For the players, it’s another way to give back.
“It’s great. And it’s nice to have them out. I think, it means a lot to them to be able to stay with us. And, it’s nice to be able to volunteer their time to come out here and be able to skate,” said Hurricane captain, Noah Chadwick.
“Skating out at the kids, signing autographs and, just messing around, seeing them smile and have some fun with us, it’s great,” said forward Brayden Yager.
