As a Grand Island Nebraska boy, I grew up in a family that had no cares for hockey. A family friend of mine did the loving act of driving me to my first and only NHL game. Not everyone has that option. The reason I bring this up is that you have to drive out of town in order to even see an ice rink. I see many kids playing hockey through my streets in their drive ways and in parks. The problem is it gets crowded. Not only would an ice rink get many people to get out of their houses and pursue their dreams, it'll get people moving again. Now, we have people who won't leave their houses to check the mail. Instead, we have ripe avocados laying on couches watching as the day goes by. I've had my fair share of days doing nothing at all. I'm not saying it'll be the salvation of all our problems, come on, now.  Instead it will be something new in the bland city of Grand Island. It'll get us moving again! Besides Spring City and Westside Bowling, what do we got? A whole lot of nothing. I wouldn't be writing this if it weren't for the tragic destruction of our once great skating rink, Skate Island. After a heavy winter, the roof collapsed and now there is nowhere designated for skating in any way. Signing this would be a dream come true to many.

 It's not just about hockey though. A rink would be a real gathering place for families, a spot for tournaments and events, and honestly? It could bring real economic benefits to our community. Imagine the jumps in youth sports participation. With your help, our imagination can become reality. Plus, it's year-round fun no matter the weather. This could change the  lives of ambitious hockey fans and skaters that want to try it out. To whoever stayed to read. Thank you.