There was ice in South Surrey Saturday, on one of the hottest weekends this summer.
The Shops at Morgan Crossing, which held a Spring Skate event earlier this year, have brought back an artificial ice rink and Summer Skate for local youth to enjoy before heading back to school.
Players from the Surrey Eagles were at the Summer Skate on Saturday sharpening their skills and skating with fans.
“Our Spring Skate was a huge success,” said The Shops marketing and events co-ordinator Leigh Ann Smith.
“This time around, we’re excited to be partnering with the Surrey Eagles to bring even more exciting activities and exclusive opportunities to meet and interact with the players.”
Five Eagles players including Surrey’s own Colton Mackie and Michael Stenerson were on hand and in skates Saturday, participating in puck-handling drills and sharing tips with young fans, who also skated with the players on the outdoor synthetic ice surface.
Summer Skate on the artificial rink is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Aug. 31, with skate rentals, sharpening and hot dogs available by donation; funds raised go to The Centre for Child Development.
Players from the Eagles will be back to showcase their skills at The Shops’ rink on Aug. 26 and Aug. 29 for some one-on-one sessions with some lucky hockey players. On Aug. 31, the Eagles will deliver its official roster announcement for the 2011/2012 season at 12:30 p.m. at the rink. At 4:30 p.m., everyone’s invited to watch a three-on-three mascot game, including Fin from the Vancouver Canucks.
“It’s a great way for the team to kick-start our 2011/2012 season and showcase some of our amazing talent to this incredible community that’s supported us for more than two decades,” said Surrey Eagles sales and marketing director Robin Wyss.
– James Maclennan