I hope the lack of logic was evident to anyone who read Joe Diaz’s mean-spirited letter suggesting that the ice rink at Ridgeland Common shouldn’t be named after Paul Hruby. Put simply, Joe seems to want more park district resources put towards the travel-hockey careers of kids like his son; Paul Hruby tries to make sure everyone gets a chance to play and love the game.
Paul’s four-plus decades of nurturing hockey in Oak Park serve as a terrific example to the village. I played soccer and hockey in college and later played for national championships in rugby, so I understand the desire for competition. That’s what club teams are for, and not every family has the time and money they demand. But sportsmanship, teamwork, discipline, and the pure joy of a sport are things that everyone can learn from hockey. This is what Paul has devoted himself to for so long, and they’re exactly the kind of admirable goals that a park district’s recreational programs should have.
The rink at Ridgeland Common is unique in its sense of community and commitment to access. On Saturday mornings, adults who first put on skates in Paul’s instructional league volunteer their time to teach beginner kids, alongside teens who play for OPRF and now serve as assistants and role models. It’s especially galling that Joe Diaz, who has personally benefited from Paul’s good nature and support of adult programs, begrudges him this long-deserved thanks. I believe that his view doesn’t reflect the feelings of the overwhelming majority of the skating community, past and present.
Missy Roser, Forest Park