Ice hockey family celebrates Macquarie Ice Rink’s survival

AMP Capital’s commitment to keep Macquarie Ice Rink open sent cheers through the Sydney ice sports community, but none cheered louder than the Jerome family.

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How does a parent tell their children that the futures they dream of are over?

When the news of the Macquarie Ice Rink’s planned demolition first broke, Josie Jerome was suddenly faced with that exact scenario.

Since first trying out for the Sydney Bears Ice Hockey Club in 2015, the lives of her sons Zico, 14, and 12-year-old Brodie have revolved entirely around ice hockey.

Had the rink been demolished, Mrs Jerome, who has been secretary of the Bears since 2016, struggled to comprehend how she would tell her sons that their dreams of playing hockey for Australia would never come true.

Sydney Bears hockey players 14 year old Zico, his mum Josie and his 12 year old brother Brodie Jerome pose for photographs in Macquarie Park. Macquarie Park, Saturday, February 2nd 2019. Sydney Bears secretary Josie Jerome lives and breathes ice hockey along with her representative-level hockey playing sons. Picture: AAP IMAGE/ Angelo Velardo

“I couldn’t even bear to think of the discussion that we were going to have if Macquarie had closed,” she said.

“There have already been rinks closed down in Sydney recently which have affected other clubs and the remaining rinks would not be able to absorb our club or have been able to provide time for team training.

“Realistically it could have meant the end of their hockey, which would have pretty much meant the end of their world to them. I can’t even imagine the effect that would have had on them.”

However, as thousands of people right across Sydney joined together in opposition to the rink’s closure, it quickly became obvious to Mrs Jerome that her family wasn’t alone in the love of their home away from home.

“I have been amazed and thrilled at the response to the Save Macquarie Ice Rink campaign,” she said.

“It has been amazing to see our members, the Macquarie Ice Rink community, the hockey community across Australia, the local community and many others all come together to show how loved the rink is and how devastating it would be to take that away from us.”

The Sydney Bears celebrate a goal against Newcastle during their AIHL clash at Macquarie Ice Rink. Picture: Peter Podlaha/ The AIHL

So with people power winning out and developer AMP Capital making a commitment to keep the rink alive, Mrs Jerome said it’s back to business as usual for the Sydney Bears.

“It never stopped, this is an exciting time of year for us,” she said.

“We have hundreds of people — current members and new members — who are trying out for our teams starting this week. Our hockey school started back at the rink on Sunday and we have our first graduates from that program who are trying out for teams as well.

“We are excited about a fantastic 2019 season at Macquarie.”