Blackstone Valley Ice Arena is also very proud to host an amazing program for children with special needs, which has been sponsored by Patrick Morrison and family on behalf of the Mike Morrison Foundation. His brother Mike Morrison was an outstanding hockey player, playing for the Golden Knights at Clarkson University. He was bound to continue his greatness thereafter. On July 27, 1989, Mike died
in an unfortunate construction accident while painting a house near his home in Bellingham. The scaffolding collapsed from underneath him. However, Mike was not forgotten. He had always been recognized by peers, teammates, coaches, and teachers alike as a fierce competitor, “who played whistle to whistle with his heart and soul.” He did not gain his reputation of achievements easily; Mike worked hard and overcame various hurdles to achieve the position of captain of the Clarkson University hockey team. Despite being denied acceptance at different schools, Mike never gave up and continued to work diligently. He was known, respected, and now remembered for his work ethic and unbelievable scoring record. Following his untimely death, his #6 has never been worn by a single Clarkson University hockey player and during the following season, they honored his legacy by wearing a patch on their right shoulders that featured his #6 surrounded by a shamrock. Mike may have had great success on the ice, but no matter what, he was always the kind of guy to lend a helping hand. “A lot of people looked up to Mike. He was the first to stop and talk with little kids.” With this being said, Pat and the Morrison family have been donating to different charities and programs in Mike’s memory. United We Sk8 is extremely fortunate and appreciative that the Mike Morrison Foundation chose their special needs program to be funded in memory of such an astounding young man. All of the children starting in the January session, either for the Adaptive Skating or the BV Bulldog Learn-to-Play, will each receive jerseys with the signature #6 shamrock patches as a thank you to the Mike Morrison Foundation and to help keep his memory alive.
