ELMHURST, IL – The Elmhurst YMCA is the only one with a fully operational outdoor ice rink in North America, leaders in the youth skating program said this week.
A YMCA in Colorado has a backyard-type rink, but does not offer either youth or adult hockey or a skate school, said William Gallwas, who is associated with the local program.
"I think truly Elmhurst YMCA is the only defined true fully operational ice rink," he said in an email to Patch.
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Bobby Smith, Elmhurst YMCA's ice rink team leader, said the local rink has been keeping the western suburbs entertained for 64 years. He called it the "Wrigley Field" of outdoor rinks in the Chicago area.
The rink has produced dozens of professional hockey players, the local leaders said.
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The next season is beginning. Parents with boys or girls looking to learn to skate are welcome as young as 3 in the local skate school. For youth hockey, registrations are open for those ages 5 to 18.
For more information, email Smith.
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