Photo credit: LA Media
Rinks to Links
Rinks to Links is a unique event that is operated by Hockey Alberta Foundation to provide children, who would not otherwise have the means, the opportunity to participate in the great sports of hockey and golf.
The annual event, which started in 2014, is held in July or August, and provides 25-30 children, aged 9-12 years, the opportunity to learn skills and acquire the necessary hockey equipment to hopefully move into minor hockey or other hockey programs in their community.
The Hockey Alberta Foundation works in conjunction with community service organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs to select the participating children. In partnership with groups such as Comrie’s Sports Equipment Bank, each child receives his/her own set of hockey gear. Prior to testing the equipment on the ice, a fun part of the experience is learning the order in which the equipment needs to be put on.
The program provides kids who have not had the opportunity to play hockey with a positive experience, and helps overcomes initial barriers that may be preventing a family from getting their children into the sport.
Instructors at previous Rinks to Links events have included two-time Olympic gold medalist Carla MacLeod, professional goaltender Jacob DeSerres, and members of the Hockey Alberta Development staff.
