Everyone we encountered at the rink (and in town and among the community) were professional, courteous, friendly and welcoming. This event is unique and extra special because it is held outside (in beautiful surroundings!), but your community makes it even more special because of the circumstances you have all helped to create, build & develop with this rink & these tournaments for players, families and coaches.
The welcoming aspects that individuals and your community offers and your hospitality has proven to players and families that Winthrop is committed to youth sports and an environment that is creative and nourishes healthy endeavors for all. We love seeing the community spirit that is provided amongst all of you, the professionalism and welcoming spirit you give to visitors (strangers) and the amount of trust you parlay to host this tournament so frequently for various age groups. It is such a pleasure to see and behold, and we hope that visitors continue to enjoy your magical setting and not disturb or disrespect all your town has created. It’s pure bliss!
This is only our son’s second year competing in hockey and on a hockey team, and you have inspired us to host and “sponsor” other players to attend that would otherwise be unable to do so. This year, we brought two players with us and we will now be supporting a “scholarship” to Winthrop for as long as possible in the coming years. It’s our hope that others will be inspired by all the MAGIC you create for families and players. We noticed the teams really begin develop & flourish and recognize each others strengths and weaknesses, while they develop vastly as a TEAM over the course of the tournament. Families and teams bond because of your community’s hospitality, families are able to make a “mini vacation” out of the tournament weekend. It’s truly magical – the entire experience has been amazing each year we have attended. Thank you so much!
We hope your rink, employees, volunteers, all players & up and coming youth in your community and the broader community of Winthrop continue to thrive in 2020. Thanks to each and every person involved in making this event and your rink and town so special! We appreciate all of you and all the energy and work to make it possible for youth sports to thrive and for healthy pursuits to be acknowledged and supported for all!
P.S. Perhaps your bridge is a perfect metaphor for Winthrop and all it evokes for us. (We love that your pedestrian bridge over the river represents so much (!) – it serves as a way to get to the rink, a beautiful connection to nature, a link to skiing, to food, community and fun! It’s both architecturally pleasing and a thoughtful bridge that links humans, the natural world and wildlife). We met many people around town as we delighted in walking most places from our rental near the ball fields. Thank you again!
