Spring has sprung again and it's time for kids to go outside and play until the street lights come on. A new face is taking over and continuing a long-standing tradition at a local Milton activity. Milton Street Hockey has seen Jessica McColgan, Emily Ryan and Leo Lusk take over the organization from John Shea, Patrick Goonan and Jamie Heggie.
Mr. McColgan and Mr. Ryan are long-time Milton residents, both having grown up in Milton and now raising their families in town. Both grew up playing Milton youth hockey and played hockey again at St. Anselm College.
McColgan and Ryan first learned about Milton Street Hockey through word of mouth and thought it would be a great activity to get their kids involved.
“I have three boys, and last year was my oldest's first year,” McColgan said. “It reminded me of my childhood growing up and what made Milton great.”
“That atmosphere really attracted me,” Ryan said. “Winter is long, dark and cold, so when the weather gets nicer you want to go outside. It was an opportunity for parents and children to come together. It's very simple and there's no pressure.”
We were both very disappointed to hear that Milton Street Hockey was ending. Ms McColgan said she contacted Ryan as soon as she heard about it, and he consulted with her on how to save it.
“I think I pulled Emily aside right away,” McColgan said. “Emily's father is an absolute legend in town and the street hockey rink at our new location is named after him.”
Milton Street Hockey has moved from Cunningham Park to the Skip Lapworth Memorial Street Hockey Rink, named after Emily Ryan's father, at Kelly Field. Lapworth was the town's physical education teacher, store teacher and coach.
“When I knew it wasn't going to happen again, I didn't need a choice and Jess called me out. I almost hesitated, especially going to the courthouse named after my father. That never happened,” Ryan said.
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