Ice Rink Opens With Fanfare

Just when Gary Duvall was about to inquire about finding disabled veterans a home for sled hockey at the ice arena along Seltice Way four years ago, snow collapsed the facility's roof. “The roof fell in before I had a chance to ask,” said the founder of the Inland Northwest Disabled Veterans Sports Association and a disabled vet himself. But Duvall never gave up on a dream - and neither did the Kootenai Youth Recreation Organization, the nonprofit that owns and manages the facility. And on Saturday that dream was realized during the grand opening of the Frontier Ice Arena, opening the doors for youth hockey, figure skating, curling, broomball, sled hockey and other activities. “It's a big thing for our organization,” said Duvall, who is confined to a wheelchair. “I've began working toward a sled hockey program four years ago. When I got on the ice (during a a winter clinic), I said that I'll have to do it again”/Brian Walker, Coeur d'Alene Press. More here. (Brian Walker CdA Press photo: Shawn Halsted demonstrates sled hockey for disabled veterans during the grand opening of Frontier Ice Arena on Saturday)

Question: I ice-skated a little on Kalispell area ponds and lakes during my 5 years with the Daily Inter Lake in the NW Montana town. How about you. Ever ice skate? Play hockey? Or participate in any other ice sport?