Closing Ice Rink Will Kill Youth Hockey Program

Because of budget shortfalls Moses Lake plans to lock local kids out of the only place they can skate within 60 miles. Unlike soccer, basketball, and wrestling, which you can play almost anywhere, hockey is a sport which requires a special surface to play on and requires specialized equipment to keep it safe and fun. Don't punish the families who have spent hundreds or thousands of dollars to keep their kids in a wholesome, outdoor, team oriented activity. The Moses Lake Youth Hockey Association (MLYHA) hasn't even been in existence for 10 years and will not be able to recover from a poor decision like this. Many dedicated volunteers have worked very hard and are still growing the program. I vividly remember the days when the hockey league requested more ice times and were willing to pay for it but the City insisted on keeping the best times available for free public skating. Hockey kids shouldn't be punished for your past decisions. Next time I see the City wasting resources to clear off snow at Lauzier Fields for a soccer game that could have been postponed and played a couple days later I will try to forget when ML killed the Youth Hockey League.

Lyle Stoltman

Moses Lake