Ice time

The 22nd annual Allston-Brighton Family Skating Party drew Allston-Brighton residents of all ages to Harvard’s Bright Hockey Center on Wednesday (Feb. 23) for an evening of free ice skating.

Harvard provided skates for residents who didn’t bring their own. Skaters of all skill levels — from the novice skater happy to hug the rink’s rail to the ambitious figure skater practicing twirls — were able to take full advantage of the large rink.

This was the second year in a row that the Theodore family attended the event. Ermita Theodore said, “It’s great. It’s something to do with the kids, especially while school is out.” Last year, her daughter, Grace, now 5, relied on a crate to get around the rink. She’s gotten better since.

“It’s her first time skating without the crate so she’s really enjoying it,” said Ermita as Grace tried to keep up with her siblings.

Those not daring enough to get on the ice mingled with their neighbors and Harvard staff in attendance and snacked on complimentary hot chocolate and doughnuts.

With many rinks cutting back on hours of operation, the event is an opportunity for ice skating enthusiasts and youth hockey players to sharpen their skills.

Thanks to a new initiative, Allston-Brighton residents will now have more access to the rink. This winter, through a partnership with Harvard Athletics, residents who are Harvard Allston Education Portal members can skate for free during Bright Hockey Center’s general skating hours. This news piqued the interest of 14-year-old Ed Portal member Isaac West, a youth hockey player who is looking forward to more practice time.