EDITOR'S NOTE: Since original publication of this letter, the City of North Battleford has informed us it does not charge for free ice time. City Manager Jim Puffalt says, "the City has not in the past and will not in the future charge for the ice that is available before a scheduled ice time and in fact encourages the use of the ice if we have staff in the building, the ice is ready and lights are on."
Dear Editor
I was forwarded an email regarding extra ice time charges being billed to Battlefords Minor Hockey Association and I could not sit idle on this matter.
The City of North Battleford and the Town of Battleford are billing BMHA for kids and coaches going onto the ice early if it is not being used. As coaches, we called it "free ice.”
I, for one have always taken advantage of the opportunity to use "free ice.”
The City and Town want to lower crime and keep kids off the streets and out of gangs. A great start to that goal is having kids excited to show up to a rink, so that they can be coached and supervised by an adult. This should be seen as an investment in the community. This is not only good for the kids, but the community as a whole.
That coach is volunteering his time for the common goal of helping some of these kids at a young age to stay in shape and become respectful, hard-working kids and future productive adults of these communities.
Therefore, they are only hurting the very people they should be helping. Most towns and cities encourage this practice as it builds community and character in kids.
I am disappointed by their actions on this. I do understand things are tight and every option is being taken to make extra money or save a couple dollars. But there is no extra cost to the City or Town for the kids going out early on "free ice.”
The town and city should also note that coaches stay after their official ice times are over to help move the hockey nets and clean rooms, as we feel that is the right thing to do in order to help the employees and the community.
Communities are built on a give and take relationship. This sure feels like a big take.
Trevor Scherman
Battleford
