To the editor:

I am a SUNY Canton hockey alumnus, and as such spent a lot of time this past hockey season at “Roos House” supporting the men’s and women’s hockey programs.

On most occasions I am lucky enough to be able to bring my three children along to enjoy the game and the facilities.

My (now) eight year old daughter, Vanessa, became enamored with the girls of the women’s team and was lucky enough to be invited into the locker room with them on a couple of occasions.

Vanessa, who was seven at the time thought herself to be part of the team.

She mentioned several times throughout the winter that her February birthday party was now going to be a skating party and the SUNY Canton Kangaroos would be invited.

On February 23, Vanessa was delighted to have several of the players at her party. As expected they stayed for the skating session, but to our pleasant surprise continued to interact and engage with my daughter and her friends for several hours at the party afterward.

As an adult who has been through college I understand how painfully long the experience may have seemed and admire the ability of these fine young women to keep a smile on the face of the kids the entire time.

After the party, Vanessa confided in my wife that it was the best day of her life. I am grateful to coaches Melissa Lomanto and David LaBaff for instilling this important sense of community involvement in their players.

This is a classy organization and I feel it is important that we as a community support those who are so willing to support us.

Thank you, Lady Roos, for helping us to create a memory that my daughter will carry with her for the rest of her life.

John Mousaw

Canton