March 15, 2007

Owen Ward, 11, of Brighton takes a personal inventory of the many hockey banners at the Bright Hockey Center before getting ready to take to the ice himself. Staff photos Rose Lincoln/Harvard News Office

Slippin' and slidin'

Allston-Brighton's youngest hockey fans and their families enjoyed skating on Crimson ice at the 18th Allston-Brighton Family Skating Party at Harvard last week. The annual event, held at the Bright Hockey Center, is a popular night out for neighboring families. Allston-Brighton's promising young hockey talent - both boys and girls - laced up their skates and took to the ice for two hours. Some enticed parents and siblings into a game of tag; others challenged their own speed records, motoring around the open ice with confident strides. When the cold set in, the skaters warmed up over hot chocolate, doughnuts, chocolate chip cookies, and friendly conversation.

The event is one of a few that invite Harvard's youngest neighbors to navigate the ice rink. Each year, the Allston-Brighton Youth Hockey Clinic connects young hockey players in the community with Harvard Crimson hockey players for tips and practice. Harvard also supports the hockey clinic's "learn to skate" program.

- Staff

Xavier Mulligan and his mother Sue Mulligan of Brighton share the ice - and a laugh.