Owensboro Recreation Superintendent Kerry Bodenheimer says, “During the whole month of February, we are taking a Winter Olympics theme in all of our programming, so we’ll have exhibitions and demonstrations that go along with that.” As an added bonus, those of us who can’t make it to Sochi can still get our fill of ice hockey and figure skating right here in Owensboro through two special events.
[tw-divider]Living on the Edge[/tw-divider]
The Edge is very proud to host the third annual “Living on the Edge” I.S.I (Ice Skating Institute of America) team figure skating competition the weekend of February 1st – 2nd. The event is free of charge and everyone is welcome to come and cheer on our home team as 15 members of the Owensboro Figure Skating Club will be competing.
“This event has exploded this year,” Bodenheimer said. In its first year, Living on the Edge was held at 4 different arenas and had 23 skaters. Last year it grew to 7 arenas and 45 skaters. But this year it has expanded to 11 arenas with over 150 skaters participating! If you enjoy watching figure skating on TV, you’ll love it person!
[tw-divider]Ice Hockey, Too[/tw-divider]
For ice hockey fans, you can get an up-close and personal view of the action during the Kentucky High School Hockey League State Tournament which will be held the weekend of March 1st – 2nd. It should be a fun competition to watch since the Owensboro “Rampage” won this tournament last year. Coincidentally, The Edge gets to host the tournament this year on their home rink.
Bodenheimer says Owensboro has had youth hockey teams since the Youth Hockey Association started in 1964. Today, there are 250 youth ranging from ages 4-18, comprising four age divisions of the “Puck Hogs,” which feed into the high school division, the Rampage. They’ve even added a girl’s team.
[tw-divider]It’s the Coolest![/tw-divider]
Bodenheimer added, “This is such a beautiful facility and we are very blessed to have it in our city.” With free wi-fi, a concession stand, and five flat screen TVs, The Edge truly is the coolest place in town, especially in the summer. That’s why they started hosting a 10-week day camp last summer, which is like most summer day camps, except they focus on ice sports; hockey, ice skating, and figure skating. The afternoons are spent doing off-ice activities like swimming or field trips around town.
[tw-divider]Never Too Late to Learn[/tw-divider]
Youngsters usually take to the ice pretty easily, but adults can be intimidated if they didn’t learn to skate as a child. Fear not! The Edge offers learn-to-skate classes year round. The next class actually begins February 25th and the deadline to register is February 14th. There is also an adult hockey league for beginners. So if you need to mark that off your bucket list, now is the perfect time.
If you find yourself inspired by the commercials, news updates, and nightly coverage of the Winter Olympics, bring the family on down to The Edge and make some memories together.
