Aspen, Colorado is known for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and top-notch healthcare. But did you know that it is also home to a thriving youth hockey program and a dedicated organization working to protect its rivers and waterways? These three seemingly disparate entities actually share a common thread: community.
The Aspen Junior Hockey program has been a fixture in the community since 1972, providing a safe and supportive environment for children to learn and play hockey. With over 300 players ranging in age from four to eighteen, the program emphasizes not only skill development but also sportsmanship and teamwork. According to program director Shaun Hathaway, “We’re not just building hockey players, we’re building good citizens.” The program has produced several NHL players, including current Colorado Avalanche forward J.T. Compher.
The Roaring Fork Conservancy, founded in 1996, is dedicated to protecting the rivers and streams that flow through the Roaring Fork Valley. Through education, outreach, and research, the organization works to ensure that these vital resources are preserved for future generations. Their efforts have helped to improve water quality, restore natural habitats, and increase public awareness of the importance of healthy rivers. According to executive director Heather Lewin, “We believe that healthy rivers make healthy communities.”
Aspen Valley Hospital, founded in 1891, has a long-standing commitment to providing high-quality healthcare to the community. With state-of-the-art facilities and a team of skilled medical professionals, the hospital offers a wide range of services, from emergency care to cancer treatment. In addition to its medical services, the hospital also hosts community events and offers health education programs. According to CEO Dave Ressler, “Our mission is to provide exceptional healthcare services and promote the health and well-being of the communities we serve.”
So what connects these three entities? Community. Each one is dedicated to serving and improving the Aspen community in its own unique way. The Aspen Junior Hockey program provides a safe and supportive environment for children to learn and grow. The Roaring Fork Conservancy works to protect and preserve the natural resources that are essential to the community’s health and well-being. Aspen Valley Hospital provides top-notch healthcare services and promotes the health of the community as a whole.
Aspen may be known for its glitz and glamour, but it is the dedicated individuals and organizations working behind the scenes that truly make it a special place. As the legendary hockey player Wayne Gretzky once said, “A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be.” The Aspen Junior Hockey program, the Roaring Fork Conservancy, and Aspen Valley Hospital are all playing where the community is going to be, and they are doing it with excellence and dedication.