Skyhawks skate outdoors

The North Bay Skyhawks hit the ice outdoors on Wednesday night at the Caldwell-Ellam Centre outdoor rink off Montrose avenue. It wasn't head coach Ian Swalucynski putting his team through the paces on an outdoor rink, actually the players were skating with the youngsters from Big Brothers and Big Sisters as well as boys and girls from the neighbourhood.

Trent Lizee, Will Laporte, Nick Laporte, Ryan Loach, Jeff Michael, Nathan Vail and Kody Carnevale all laced up the blades, shoveled off the rink, and then skated and played shinny with the youngsters.

Skyhawks Marketing Director Gary Davison believes it's important for the players to connect with the community.

"Oh, it's got to be done, the kids love it," said Davison.

"The Skyhawks love it too when there are things like this and they (the players) sign up real quick."

After the skate the players joined the kids for hot chocolate and a hot dog indoors.

The Skyhawks are back on the ice for real Thursday night as they travel to Temiscaming to meet the Royals. Game time is 8:00 p.m. at the Centre.