Story by Jon Traffansted
HAFP skaters move down the ice with puck trying to score. (Photo by Jon Traffansted)
Just because we are in a desert does not mean your winter Olympic dreams have to be crushed. There is ice hockey closer than you may expect.
The Sierra Providence Center, only a short drive into central El Paso, holds a full-size ice hockey rink.
Whether you are just starting or a seasoned pro, you can hop onto the ice and play Hockey at Fun Pace (HAFP).
HAFP is open to everyone
Fast-paced hockey action in El Paso offers great opportunities. (Photo by Jon Traffansted)
HAFP is run three days a week for only $10 a session. It is not a problem if you do not have your own equipment; there is plenty of protective gear, sticks and skates that you are more than welcome to borrow, FREE OF CHARGE!
David Sime is one of the organizers of the HAFP program in conjunction with the pro hockey team, El Paso Rhinos.
Mark Benson enjoys the time he gets on the ice. (Photo by Jon Traffansted)
“This allows players of all skills to participate and have fun without pressure,” Sime said.
You may think there is a shortage of players in the desert; however, it is quite the opposite. Most HAFP days there is a long waiting list of people trying to get any kind ice time they can.
Only 24 skaters get to participate in each HAFP session. This allows everyone to get an equal chance to play.
Usually when you think of hockey you think of a man’s sport, yet now more women are playing and succeeding. HAFP is open to men or women, anyone over 18 who just wants to play hockey.
Once a player gets a chance to get on the ice, HAFP players treat each other with respect. Hockey has the image of smashing into the boards, fighting and using the stick as a weapon.
It is not like that during these times on the ice. It is all about the good time and fun of hockey. If players fall they are helped up; for those in need of help in any way, the HAFP skaters will provide it.
If you have ever wanted to try to play ice hockey this is your best chance. HAFP has something for everyone.
Benefits are numerous
Mark Benson found HAFP through a friend and fell in love. “It became a personal way of therapy,” Benson said. “After my divorce, it became my way to cope with the stress and relieve tensions.”
Hockey is a full-body workout. Just because the ice rink is below freezing, it does not mean you will not break a heavy sweat – you are covered from head to toe with protective gear. Skating back and forth on the ice is a great cardio work out.
If watching the Olympics had you dreaming of a gold medal, do not let your dreams fall to pieces. HAFP is a great place for adults to live out their childhood dreams. If you have younger children there are hockey leagues for them. If hockey is not your thing, there is also figure skating at the Sierra Providence Center.
To participate in HAFP you can e-mail Dr. David Sime by visiting the web site. If you are just into watching hockey, you can head down to a Rhinos game.
