Father-Son Skate Day A Big Hit

Skating on the freshly cut ice, Rick and Ryan Evans have played a combined total of 31 years of hockey. Both wear the complete run of equipment — a helmet, shoulder pads, gloves — everything a hockey player should wear. Their jerseys even display the same last name.

However, upon closer examination matching up the two like-minded sportsmen in a game appears to be a mismatch. First, there is the three-foot height disparity between the two, followed by a conspicuous 34-year age gap and a curious 30-year experience difference. This odd coupling in a sport known for the stereotypical brutish strength and size of its players can only be explained by the cherished tradition of Father-Son Skate Day at the Port Washington Family Skating Center.

"It's nice to play hockey with your son," said 38-year-old Rick Evans as he skated off the ice with a smile on his face.

An ongoing event for nearly 15 years, Father-Son Skate Day allows for a rarely seen moment in the overburdened schedules of most ice rinks. Kevin Smith, a hockey coach for eight years at the skating center, coaches aspiring players from four years old through high school. Smith played referee as he "observed and oversaw" the competitive congealing of the two generations of hockey players. "It's great for players to have ice time with their fathers in a calm and relaxed environment," he said.

Smith emphasized the importance of experiences like Father-Son Skate Day by highlighting how rare an occurrence they actually are. "It's hard to play with your kid," Smith explained. "It's a rare opportunity because most of the time when a child gets ice time, it's ice time with his or her team."

The actual hockey portion of Father-Son Skate Day consisted of a fun, casual scrimmage between assorted pairs of fathers and sons. Resting after a successful shift, Greg and Nick Abby agreed that attending an event like this is all about father-son bonding. "It's a fun thing to do with your kid," said Greg about playing with his elementary-aged son.

Fred Neilson, owner and the unequivocal face of the ice rink, is an ardent supporter of Father-Son Skate Day. "Father and son hockey characterizes what we are all about," Neilson said. "It's one of the occasions that puts the 'F' in Family Skating Center."