The Great Falls Americans are not the only ones hitting the ice this season as public skating at the Great Falls Ice Plex opened on Sunday.
About 70 people slipped on their skates (or on the ice) for the opening day.
Teresa Gunn, the president of the Great Falls Community Ice Foundation, which owns and runs the Ice Plex, said the rink helps keep Great Falls’ hockey history alive as more youth utilize the ice.
“For two years, Great Falls didn’t have ice,” she said. “The youth hockey program especially really suffered. I think this is the tenth year this rink has been in operation and the youth hockey program is really just starting to recover.”
Although September is usually a quiet month for the winter sport, the Ice Plex saw several activities such as the first ever 3-on-3 hockey league, University of Providence hockey team practices, and a youth hockey camp.
The University of Providence’s men’s hockey team is playing its first season at the rink while the women’s team plans to compete next year.
The Ice Plex will host public skating almost every Sunday from now until March. It costs $5 for ages 18 and older, $4 for ages six to 17, and is free for children five and under.
Gunn added the Foundation is always looking for volunteers. If you would like to assist at the Ice Plex or donate, you can contact board members through the Great Falls Ice Plex’s Facebook page.
Click here to view a schedule for the Great Falls Americans.
You can also visit the University of Providence’s men’s hockey page for additional information on their season.
For more information regarding the Great Falls Ice Plex, please visit its website.
