Chief Mark Saunders, Angela James, late John Bitove Sr.
Angela James Arena in Flemngdon Park will be ringing to the sound of kids hockey Sunday (January 10, 2016) as the ProAction Hockey League (PAHL) gets underway for kids eight to 11 years. Chief Mark Saunders will be present for this important Cops for Kids event as will Angela James, who played senior hockey locally in the 1980s and 90s. Ms. James is now 51 but is still a revered figure in the community. It’s believed Mayor Tory will also make a visit. The PAHL season will begin with a puck-drop at 2.45 marking the start of the league’s 2016 season. PAHL is organized by officers from 54 Division, members of the community and sponsored by ProAction Cops & Kids and Canadian Tire Jumpstart. The puck drop and all league games are played at Angela James Arena at 165 Grenoble Drive. ProAction is a charity that is not well enough known. It works in co-operation with the police. It was founded in 1991 by John L. Bitove Sr. PAHL provides kids from priority neighborhoods like Flemingdon Park and Thorncliffe Park Drive with an opportunity to play hockey. Officers, volunteers, ProAction Cops & Kids and corporate sponsors, are able to provide the kids with equipment, teach them hockey skills as well as coach them during games. Many of the youth are new or first-generation Canadians who would never have the opportunity to play hockey if it wasn’t for the program. Very good work everyone.
