The city will celebrate 100 years of hockey and Winter Week with free skating at six city rinks in January.
The initiative was announced Dec. 16 at Nathan Phillips Square by Mayor John Tory Toronto, Beaches-East York MPP Arthur Potts, and former Toronto Maple Leafs captain Darryl Sittler.
“Our rinks and skating programs encourage families to enjoy skating and hockey for fun and professionally,” Tory said in a press release. “We want our kids and our grandkids to have access to facilities and programs that support these activities for another hundred years.”
Winter Week will also be part of the Maple Leafs’ centennial anniversary festivities according to Leafs president Brendan Shanahan.
“[We] look forward to a special week as we celebrate the game of hockey, and this historic moment for the Toronto Maple Leafs, with our fans,” Shanahan said.
Free skating and activities will take place on the six rinks from noon till 5 p.m. on Jan. 3 through Jan. 7. Games, refreshments and chances to interact with Toronto Maple Leafs alumni were also highlighted for the new year event.
Free skate locations from Jan. 3 through Jan. 7 will happen at the following places:
• Jan. 3 at Albert Campbell Square
• Jan. 4 at Mel Lastman Square
• Jan. 5 at Greenwood Park
• Jan. 6 at Regent Park
• Jan. 7 at Nathan Phillips Square
The final Mayor’s Skate event will be on Jan. 8 at Colonel Samuel Smith Park from 1 to 5 p.m.