BEND, Ore. — On Sunday, some of the best women's hockey players will take to the ice at The Pavilion. “We have Megan Bozek, a two-time Olympian and four-time world champion in U.S. women's hockey. She's going to be coming with a woman named Caitlin Parker who works for the Seattle Kraken. ” Pavilion Manager Claire Gordon said this is the third year of the Girls and Women's “Have the Edge'' skills demonstration. ” The Pavilion has offered youth and women’s hockey since it opened in 2015, but interest has increased in recent years.
Bend Parks and Rec took over the popular Learn to Skate program this year after the Bend Rapids Hockey Club ran out of grant funding. “We wanted to continue this year as well because it seemed to have such a positive impact on more girls trying out hockey. So we decided to keep the name the same and work closely with the Rapids.” “It's going to be a fun day for everyone,” Gordon said, adding, “Megan will be on the ice with all the players. She'll go out there and talk to them and give them feedback. We're going to have a meet-and-greet with Megan for the kids, and ask questions, and the adults can ask questions, and yeah, we're going to meet her, and then we're going to have a barbecue.”
This event will be led by the hockey coaching staff along with BPRD's Learn to Skate and the Ben Rapids Youth Hockey Club. Participants are divided into three age groups ranging from 5 years old to adults. Equipment such as skate rental is also available. The event is free, but registration is required. It begins at the Pavilion on Sunday at 3:30 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Bend Parks and Rec.
