Chris Neil’s ‘rink of dreams’ opens for the season
Posted Jan 22, 2023 04:44:00 PM.
If you build it, they will come.
When former Senator Chris Neil and a couple of his buddies set off into his 90 acres of land, chainsaws in hand, they wanted to create their own field of dreams.
Not for the cornfields of Iowa, but for the frozen winter landscape of rural Ottawa.
The 80s Kevin Costner baseball film Field of Dreams, one of Neil's favourites, was the inspiration for Icelynd, two kilometres of ice skating trails winding through Neil's Stittsville property, all leading to an outdoor ice rink, bonfires and canteen replete with hot drinks and snacks.
“It is my field of dreams,” said Neil on The Sam Laprade Show. “The rink set right in the middle of all these big tall pines and lights. You know, when the snow is coming down, it really is magical.”
When Neil and his partners Jarett Gibbons and Steve Beck started talking about the project, they wanted Icelynd to be an outdoor activity accessible to everyone in the community. Hosting events with families from Roger Neilson House, the pediatric palliative care organization, and giving the kids an opportunity to get outdoors and experience something they wouldn't ordinarily get to do, is a point of pride.
“The kids, sometimes they're in a wheelchair, and they can look up at nighttime and see the lights when normally they're in their room or just staying in their house,” said Neil. “They don't get the opportunity to do a lot of activities that a lot of kids get to do. It's a special night for me.”
They also want the trails to be a way to be more involved in their community through a family-oriented business.
“It's trying to give back to our community,” said Neil. “Hiring from youth, get them off devices and get them out and active in that fresh air. It's great for them.”
Neil's commitment to his Ottawa community and his former team is not going unnoticed. His involvement with Roger Neilson House, the Raise the Roof Hockey Tournament and other charities have made him a pillar of the community.
Now, after having played with the Senators for the entirety of his 15 season career in the NHL, the Sens are set to retire Neil's number 25 jersey.
No one like him and now he'll take his place among the #Sens greats as the last one to wear number 25.
Ottawa Senators to retire Chris Neil’s number Feb. 17.
