Photo by Sue Rollyson

The saying “build it and they will come” certainly held true the evening of Saturday, Dec. 9, for the First Annual National Hockey League (NHL) Outdoor Alumni Classic, hosted by Colorado Extreme on their outdoor rink outside of Carbondale. The event was filled with fun, festivity and fundraising. Enthusiastic youth hockey players, ages 3-12, filled the rink, rotating through skill stations alongside the NHL alumni, including many famous players such as Henrik Lundqvist, John-Michael Liles, Milan Hejduk, Kyle Quincey, Paul Statsny, Ben Scrivens and Darren Helm. The rink was then prepared for a friendly competitive game played by the alumni and Colorado Extreme coaches. An impressive fireworks display started and ended the game. Following the match, people swarmed the rink for photos and autographs. Food and merchandise was sold, and there was an auction for hockey and non-hockey items — all went towards the nonprofit youth hockey program. Tickets to an adult after party with the players were sold out. Colorado Extreme’s mission is to foster an accessible and inclusive youth hockey community in the mid-valley — although, it recently opened a rink at the Rifle Fairgrounds as well. The program provides complimentary equipment, gear, expert coaching and more. If you have a child who is interested in trying hockey, go to www.coloradoextreme.org