Kewadin Casino’s DreamMakers Theatre will certainly be Roque-ing out this Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m., where U.S.A Hockey Olympian Abby Roque will meet fans, pose for pictures and sign autographs. She will even have her silver Olympic medal on-hand.
“She is really excited to return to the Sault and see the people who cheered her on through the Olympics,” proud mother Julia Roque said. “Small town, big heart. It will be a fun celebration, and allow Abby to thank the people who supported her in hockey.”
Sault Ste Marie Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Linda Hoath said Posters and trading cards will be available at the theatre. Large posters will go up the Big Bear Arena (Chi Mukwa) and Pullar Stadium.
Mayor Don Gerrie will present Roque with a special proclamation.
“Our community is extremely proud of Abby and the U.S. team,” said Gerrie immediately following the Olympics. “They worked hard and acted as positive role models, winning silver with grace. Abby has represented our area well!”
Roque is prepared to give her Olympic jersey to the city for all its support over the years and in Beijing. She will even be hosting a hockey camp because home is where it all began.
“In a small town, you grow up with the same kids,” said Julia Roque. “She has played with some of the kids since she was six-years-old.”
Roque made the boys team as a freshman in high school.
“Two of her first years, we were in the state finals,” said John Ferroni, former head coach of Sault Ste. Marie’s hockey program back in January. “She is probably one of the best at face-offs in the world. I know that is a big statement.”
Roque was the first girl to play varsity hockey for Sault Area High School before signing on with the University of Wisconsin.
Now, she is ready to give back to her hometown community by hosting boys and girls hockey camps this Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Big Bear Ice Arena.
The camps will be split into two age groups, one for 6 to 9-year-olds and another for 10 to 13-year-olds.
Roque has previously coached at Breakaway Academy in Minneapolis, MN, Breck High School Varsity Girls Hockey, Southern Prospects Hockey Camp and summer camps at the University of Wisconsin.
To learn more about Roques visit to the Sault and her hockey camps, visit: abbyroquehockey.com
