A resident from Wildwood recently wrote in to share her thoughts on why she would like to see an ice skating rink in Ocala/Marion County.
“We are also in support of an ice rink in Ocala, or closer to the Wildwood area, since we also have a love for the game of hockey. My son has played since he was three years old. He played competitively in Colorado, then onto college in Michigan and Colorado State. Due to having two hip surgeries, he had to leave the sport for a while and complete college online.
After rehab, he came back stronger and tried out for a Canadian college team, but then COVID-19 hit and shut down the border which destroyed his dream. He has now moved in with us. He is in need of a change and would love to get on the ice again, possibly with a men’s league or even a semi-pro team. He knows he can travel further to play, but it would be convenient if there was one closer.
Athletes of all kinds have had their dreams torn to pieces because of this virus. They have trained all their lives to bring their dreams and talents to whatever sport they chose to play, only for it to all come to an end. Even though he’s 24 now, our hearts are still broken for him because he worked so hard to get to where he wanted to be and then it came to an end.”
Dawn Mastrandrea
Wildwood resident
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