CHRISTMAS ON ICE
Ice rinks at Hillcrest, Kitsilano, Trout Lake and West End community centres are open on Dec. 25 as is the downtown "urban pond" at Robson Square.
Kitsilano is open 11 a.m. to 12: 30 p.m. on Christmas Day for a public skate. Trout Lake opens for four hours from 12: 30 to 4: 30 p.m. and the West End will open from 1 to 4 p.m. At Hillcrest, public skating is open from 1: 30 to 3 p.m.
Most community centres have restricted hours over the holidays. For a complete schedule through to Jan. 2, visit vancouver.ca and search "holiday hours."
The Robson Square Ice Rink celebrates the 12 days of Christmas with carollers, live music and entertainment from 6 to 9 p.m. until Dec. 24. On Christmas Eve, they will pass the hours waiting for Santa by handing out free hot chocolate from 5 to 9 p.m.
The rink is open Christmas Day from noon to 5 p.m.
HOLIDAY HYMNS
The Whitecaps and B.C. Lions wished their fans the best for the holiday season with a gift-wrapped video message from fans and players, respectively.
The Southsiders, a soccer fan club dedicated to the Vancouver MLS franchise, reworked the classic and often-parodied "12 Days of Christmas" as a customized holiday hymn they titled "12 Days of Whitecaps." The Whitecaps embraced the video and sent it out along with wishes for a happy holiday.
From the first day to the 12th, each verse ends with a celebration of head coach Martin Rennie.
"On the 12th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:
The team MVP
11 clean sheets
10-man win,
Nine Mattocks goals
Eight home wins
Seven Camilo assists
Six young guns
Five header goals
Four mugs for Rochat
Three 'Caps kits
Two solid keepers
And a coach named Martin Rennie."
Meanwhile, the B.C. Lions posted an exciting, arena-anthem rendition of "Carol of the Bells" to dramatize game footage, delirious fans and head coach Mike Benevides. The shots are all in black and white with the exception of every orange Lions jersey, flag and emblem.
The holiday video closes with season's greetings from orange Santa-hatted players like Paris Jackson, Angus Reid, Travis Lulay and two cute brunette Felions, Caitlin and Alexandra, who don't get last names.
From the Courier sports desk, I wish you a very happy holiday season and wonderful New Year. Merry Christmas!
