Celebrating Canada's Game

Posted Feb 9, 2012 By EMC News

Hockey. It's our game.

Every winter, children across the city gather at frozen ponds to play a little pick-up shinny or at outdoor rinks for organized games.

Parents are regular visitors at the rinks - you can usually spot them huddled on the benches early in the morning, clutching a steaming cup of coffee and cheering on their children until their voices go hoarse.

Then there are the unsung heroes, the people in our community who every week trudge out into the unforgiving cold and maintain our outdoor skating rinks so kids and adults can enjoy a skate or a game of pick-up hockey.

On Feb. 10-12, communities across the city and the Ottawa Valley will celebrate Canada's national sport.

This week, the Ottawa South EMC takes a closer look at the players, the coaches, the parents and the people who volunteer their time so we can enjoy our favourite winter sport.