We have lots of of catching up to do with some activities that have happened at the rink. I will start with the Christmas dinner that was served on December 20. Over 40 kids and some adults were treated to turkey, ham, potatoes, stuffing, cranberries, gravy, vegetables, and buns, along with homemade gingerbread cookies and hot chocolate. For dessert, there was a great tasting cake. This dinner was cooked by Carmen Capre. She put in lots of work for this meal and it was delicious. Carmen brought her husband Bruno Sarnelli. Bruno grew up in McCauley and his parents still live here, and he also works in the neighbourhood. Also, a big thank-you to Carmen’s other helpers, Zech del Rosario, Lauren Risma, and Fabio Bonetto. You all brought so much joy to so many kids it was a very special night for everyone.

The second event was a challenge this year. The ninth annual McCauley Cup was supposed to happen on December 28, but due to the extreme cold weather we had to move it to January 4. The event is always a huge hit with local kids in and around McCauley. The EPS downtown beat cops come out and play a fun game of shinny hockey against the kids, and the game has been a great way to bring the two groups together and get to know the local beat cops in a fun atmosphere. This year was another huge success with over 50 kids participating and over a dozen police playing. There were also many police in uniform mingling with the kids off the ice. Mayor Don Iveson proclaimed January 4, 2018 “McCauley Cup Day” in Edmonton, Alberta’s Capital City. McCauley Community League President Phil O’Hara was on hand to receive the Proclamation. We also had two special guests who dropped the game puck: Chief of Police Rod Knecht and Ward 6 Councillor Scott McKeen.

The event would not be a success without the many people who do so much in making it happen.

Thank you:

• KIDS organization and President Al Hamilton
• Lyle Kulchisky
• Rink staff Albert, Andrew, and Graham
• Edmonton Oilers Alumni and Joan Kirillo
• Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples
• United Cycle and Kelly Hodgson
• Sports Central
• Elite Promotional Marketing
• Italian Bakery
• Long-time volunteer referee Nick Magis
• Rotary Club of Edmonton
• McCauley Community League

A huge thank you goes out to Const. Andrew Melney and all the police who put a lot of work in to making this event work so well. Also, thank-you to Chief of Police Rod Knecht, Superintendent McIsaac, and Councillor Scott McKeen. One last thank you goes out to all the kids who came out to have some fun against the police. Next year is going to be the 10th annual game and we are already starting to plan a huge party for this special milestone.

The third annual New Year’s Eve skating party had to be cancelled due to the extreme cold weather. We look forward to trying again next year.

The 12th annual Family Day skating party will be on February 19, 12-5 p.m. Hot dogs, hot chocolate, marshmallows, and many other activities will happen on this day.

Skates and helmets are always available to use for free thanks to Sports Central. The rink is open seven days a week. If the temperature gets to -25 (this includes a wind chill) we will not open. Please follow the McCauley Community League’s Facebook page or the website for updates for the rink and other information regarding our community.