March 8, 2024. Photo by Alex D’Addese/PWHL
Elaine Chuli will be the featured guest at a “Skate with the Greats” event at the Waterford Tricenturena June 15, 2024. Hosted by the Norfolk County Sports Hall of Recognition, this event will allow participants to meet and skate with Chuli, a goaltender with the Montreal team of the Professional Women’s Hockey League.
The on-ice portion of the event will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. There are still openings in the 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. time slot (as of June 6, the 12:15 to 1 p.m. time slot has been filled.) Though there is no fee to participate, pre-registration is required.
Helmets are recommended for on-ice participants. A group photo will be taken with Elaine at the end of each on-ice session. Participants are welcome to wear hockey jerseys if they wish.
To register, contact norfolkcountysportshall@gmail.com, and provide the first and last names of anyone who is participating in the on-ice session (we need this information for registration). Openings are only available in the 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. time slot.
Registration will be limited to 50 people per session. Registration will close June 10, 2024, or earlier if slots are filled.
After the on-ice sessions, Elaine will be available from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Tricenturena lobby area for autograph signing and photo opportunities.
The event is available free of charge thanks to generous donations made to the Norfolk County Sports Hall of Recognition in memory of the late Donald Roloson. The Sports Hall also thanks Waterford Tim Horton’s and Springview Farm Golf Course for their support.
The Skate With the Greats event will be part of Norfolk’s Community Days celebrations. As the Tricenturena parking lot will be occupied with other displays, participants will need to park off-site.
Originally from Waterford, Ontario, Chuli has amassed an impressive hockey resume. She played goal for the University of Connecticut Huskies, earning team MVP honours in 2014, 2015, and 2016.
She was also a member of the Toronto Six of the Premier Hockey Federation, helping them win an Isobel Cup in 2023. In 2022, Chuli was named Goaltender of the Year for the PHF, and was also named the All-Star Game MVP.
Most recently, during the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s inaugural 2023-2024 season, Chuli played in eight games for Montreal, posting a league-leading 1.61 Goals Against Average.
Q&A:
Q: I’m going to be bringing a child to the event, but not participating on the ice. Do I need to register?
A: No. We only need the names of those participating in the on-ice portion, so we can check their names off on arrival
Q: Can I still attend the photo opp/autograph session if I don’t participate in the on-ice session?
A: Yes. The 1 to 2 p.m. photo opp/autograph session is open to all.
Q: Do I have to pay admission?
A: Thanks to in memoriam donations received by the Sports Hall in honour of Donald Roloson, we are able to offer this event at no charge to participants.
Q: Should on-ice participants bring hockey sticks?
A: No.
Q: If I want an autograph, should I bring something to sign?
A: We are planning to provide photos for Elaine to sign. However, if there is something you wish her to sign, that can be accommodated within reason.
Q: Will refreshments be available?
A: The Sports Hall is planning to have snacks and drinks available for purchase.