Kenny Lake Hockey Practice
Photo by Tari Patinka
Standing, L to R: Judith Lorenz, Andrew Bryan, Martin Bryan, Timothy Lorenz, Sammy Patinka, Seth Patinka, Evan Lorenz, coach Gabe Doty.
Sitting, L to R: Abby Maxwell, Cherish Bailey, McKenna Maxwell, Isla Patinka, Martin Bryan, Regina Bryan.
April 7, 2023
Judith Lorenz - Kenny Lake Hockey
Kenny Lake children have been meeting two to three times a week since early February for a short season of hockey practice. We had two groups: a ‘Learn to skate’ program for beginners ages 3 and up coached by Judith Lorenz and a hockey group (8-12 yo) coached by Gabe Doty and assisted by Ms. Lorenz.
We had about 15 regular players and, some days, up to 25 on the ice! Though we had a late start, the children have been eager to learn and made wonderful progress in just a few weeks. We were not enrolled in any league but worked hard. Some of us are still dreaming of getting back to a competition level.
No doubt the kids have the potential; we now need the commitment from parents and a few more brave coaches! In the meantime, we are happy to see so many kids skating and having outdoor fun together!
As always, it takes the efforts and dedication of a few volunteers to make this happen, and we are grateful for all the helpers: Tom Lambert, Drew Ewens, Rob Patinka, Isaac Hutchinson, Scott McCallister for the rink prep/ice-making; Shaun Friendshuh and Wesley Gordon with the Zamboni; Dave Goodwin for ice prep and snow blowing every time it’s been needed (which seems often this year!); Jacob Maxwell with Zamboni maintenance; coaches Gabe Doty and Judith Lorenz as well as all the dedicated parents who were present to get their kids and others geared up.
Also, big thank you to the Kenny Lake School for making sure the locker rooms were always warm and email communications with the families. It does take a village!