BEND, OR -- A prestigous women’s hockey player hits the ice at The Pavilion on Sunday. “We have Megan Bozek, who is a two-time Olympian, four-time world champion for U.S. Women's hockey. She's going to be coming alongside a woman named Caitlin Parker who works for the Seattle Kraken,” The Pavilion’s manager Clare Gordon says it’s the third year for the Girls and Women "Have the Edge” skill demonstration, “We’re asking girls and women to come out and try hockey. So, this really is aimed to folks who are trying hockey for the first time or beginner level players who want to get a little more introductory work in the game.” Youth and women’s hockey have been offered at the Pavilion since it opened in 2015 but interest has picked up in the past few years.

Bend Parks and Rec took over the popular Learn to Skate program this year after the Bend Rapids hockey club ran out of grant funding. “It seemed such a positive influence on more girls trying hockey that we wanted to continue it this year. So, we kept the name and we're working closely with the Rapids,” Gordon says it will be a fun day for everyone, “Megan is going to be on the ice with all the players. She'll be out there talking to them, giving him feedback. We'll do a meet and greet with Megan for kids, ask questions and adults ask questions and yeah, get to meet her, and then we'll do a barbecue.”

The event will be led by BPRD's Learn to Skate and hockey coaching staff alongside the Bend Rapids youth hockey club. Participants are placed in three age groups starting at five-years old up to adults.  Equipment including skate rentals are provided. The event is free but registration is required. It starts at 3:30 Sunday afternoon at the Pavilion.

Photo credit: Bend Parks and Rec