PAHA families, we are very excited to announce that our very own Olympic Silver Medalist, Kerry Weiland will be joining us at the rink in just 8 days!  As some of you know, Kerry was born and raised right here in Palmer Alaska.  She began playing hockey with her older brother Andy when she was 5.  She skated for the Palmer High Moose for 4 years before accepting a full scholarship to play for the University of Wisconsin-Madison.   As a Badger she continued to excel and still holds a record for scoring by a defense man with 124 points.  Last year, she became the first woman's hockey player to be inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at the University of Wisconsin.  

Kerry achieved the highest level of playing when she was named to the 2010 US Women's Olympic Team.  Kerry and her team competed with the world’s top teams and took home the Olympic Silver Medal.  She has never forgotten her roots and we have been blessed to have her return to Palmer to come skate with her niece and nephews teams over the past several years.  This year Kerry has volunteered to come skate with every PAHA team!  She will do a 'Meet and Greet' for 15 minutes prior to each teams scheduled practice (see below the dates & times).  She will then get on the ice and skate with the teams.  Coaches will use the final 15 minutes of practice for Kerry to pass around her Silver Medal and pose for photos with the teams and players.

Please join us in welcoming home our local Olympic hero by having your player dressed 15 minutes early on the following dates so Kerry can spend some time with them!  Ask your child to think of questions they'd like to ask -it could be about nutrition, her favorite food, or how she overcame setbacks. 

Kerry would like to be an inspiration for all the boys and girls to find THEIR passion and to follow THEIR dreams!  She is proof that through hard work and never giving up when times get tough (like being cut from the 2006 Olympics!) that how we choose to see our circumstances- as a challenge or a reason to quit - is most important.  

She had people tell her (parents and players) growing up that "girls don't play hockey!"  Or you are "too small" to play at the next level.  Although those comments were tough to hear, through her own love of the game, setting goals and support of family and friends, she chose to follow her own path.  Kerry likes to say ”Always remember that you can't measure heart."

Tuesday 10/17 

10U Shared Practice 5:30-6:30

12U/16U Girls (VT)   6:45-7:00

14U Shared Practice 8:00-9:00

Wednesday 10/18

8U  Shared Practice 5:30-6:30

12U Shared Practice 6:45-7:45