\n<\/p>\n
Katy Kitchingham, chairwoman of Inverness Highlanders Junior Ice Hockey Club, said it was hoped the collaborative work would lead to increased participation. <\/p>\n
She said: “It was our club’s 30-year anniversary last year, so there’s been ice hockey in Inverness for a wee while now and we want to see that continue.”<\/p>\n
In Aviemore there is a small rink housed in a large marquee. <\/p>\n
More than 30 young people, aged from six to 18, take part in its junior sessions.<\/p>\n
But Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust, which runs the rink, hopes to buck the trend of ice rink closures and build a new permanent ice rink in the village.<\/p>\n
The last facility was bulldozed in 1999.<\/p>\n
Kenny Macdonald, who has played ice hockey for 50 years and coaches juniors in Aviemore, said: “Our main thing we are looking for is a bigger ice surface.”<\/p>\n
He believes the rink will be a popular addition to Aviemore’s attractions, including during the local ski season.<\/p>\n
“You cannot rely on the snow now in winter theses days and if you have got a bad day when it is raining and too wet to go cycling, a large ice rink would be ideal and I’m sure you would see the influx seen in the 1980s and 90s,” he added.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n