Ice hockey at Lenape Valley Regional High School?

To the Editor: Ice hockey is a rewarding sport that allows children to learn the values of being part of a team. It is also great for activity, a very demanding and physical sport that requires a great deal of strength and athletic ability to persevere. Lenape Valley Regional High School should be the place where students are able to utilize the skills they have learned and play the game they love with high school friends. We need to establish a program at Lenape Valley so the students can showcase their skills and show their Lenape Patriots pride. With the Sussex County Ice Hockey League being home to Newton, Sparta, Vernon, High Point, Pope John and Wallkill Valley High Schools, Lenape Valley would only add to the competition. We have received numerous e-mails from the coaches of these schools welcoming the idea of another public school ice hockey program. Within the last few years, in Sussex County, ice hockey has become the sport to play and Lenape Valley should be part of the movement. Also, the availability of six ice rinks within a close proximity makes getting ice-time much easier and more convenient than in past years. We have the players and parents to commit to a team. Now we need Lenape to stand behind us so we can make the program a reality. Allow the students a place to showcase their talents and improve their team-building abilities. Let them learn what it means to be part of something bigger than oneself. With so many other sports programs offered at Lenape Valley Regional High School, why shouldn’t ice hockey be included too? Linda Natiello Byram