The thrill of ice is nice when you can get to it

The thrill of a stick-slapping slice across the ice is a joy J.J. O'Connor has known since he was 3.

Twelve years after a hockey accident left him paralyzed at 16 with a broken neck, he's out to make sure others can experience the "fantastic sport."

He wants to make sure others facing physical challenges can get on the ice he loves and hopes you and your family will stop by to see a very special sled hockey tournament in West Dundee this weekend.

You'll see plenty of action at the new Leafs Ice Centre on Route 72 as teams from Minnesota, Texas, Iowa, Nebraska and Illinois compete in the first Midwest Adult Sled Hockey Tournament at the rink that is accessible both for players and for fans.

The disabled or able-bodied player sits on the sled -- a bucket with two blades underneath -- and uses two shortened sticks with metal picks on the end to maneuver across the ice. As in regular hockey, you'll see plenty of action.

"You will be surprised at the skill level," J.J. promises. And you might also be surprised at just how physical challenge does not disable.

"Just because someone might be a little different or not perfect … well, we all are," J.J. said. "I think it's the greatest sport in the world. I feel like I've become a better person because of it."

He's had a lot of fun along the way in the hockey world. "You're going to see a lot of smiles. I want them to go home saying 'I can't wait to do that again,'" he added.

Vital assist

Smiles on ice was part of the goal as Leafs organizers worked to build the new rink to be an integral part of the community, said one of those organizers, Michael Durkin. He credits J.J. with providing vital advice to help make one rink truly accessible for all, including all you local skaters as well as the Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois and USA Hockey players.

They'd love for you to stop by to check it out and enjoy the fun starting about 7 p.m. Friday, through Saturday and Sunday morning. The championship game is at 1 p.m. Along the way, you'll see some intense competition on ice that is definitely not just about winning a game.

"I think it's great for our kids to see how happy people are when they're playing sled hockey," Mike said.

The tournament is free, as is the charity sled hockey game at 2:50 p.m. Saturday. But they'll gladly accept donations. You'll find the rink just west of Randall Road on Route 72, just past Dundee Middle School.

Speed bump

My constant search for the latest and new got a bit ahead of organizers of the 50th anniversary of the Meadowdale International Raceway.

They're still getting funding and government approval but are definitely on a high-speed run to put the special event in place. One organizer, Donna Redmer, says she and others are meeting with the right folks and hope to soon have formal celebration plans in place. We'll keep you posted.

Former raceway driver Ross Fosbender is one of those excited about the coming tribute but wants to assure any nearby neighbors that there will be no actual racing that day.

Hmm ... now wouldn't that be cool?!

Shoppers alert?

Ready to buy? Millie Banwert asked me to let you know about a great option for those who prefer to shop off the beaten path.

Stop by the annual Arts & Crafts festival put on by the Parent Teacher League at St. John Lutheran School from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. You'll be glad you did. They have more than 50 booths with artists and crafters displaying gifts and goodies.

They also have a soup, salad and chili bar from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. And you'll find warm cinnamon rolls, homemade bread and hot chocolate. That ought to put you in the season, eh?

You'll find St. John's at 300 Jefferson St. in Algonquin. Take Route 31 to Washington Street and head west one block to Jefferson. Turn left.

Christmas past

Marge Edwards of West Dundee invites us all to a Victorian Christmas from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Centerville School in Randall Oaks Park on Randall Road, just south of Binnie Road. The Dundee Township Historical Society will share the origin of some of our Christmas traditions, with plenty of holiday music and Christmas goodies on hand. You'll also get to make ornaments at the restored one-room schoolhouse, which dates to 1884 and was used until the late 1950s when children instead hopped on buses to go to school in town.

Call (847) 428-6996 for details.

Singing along

Mi - mi - mi - mi.

Everyone in my house knows to run if they hear me warming up vocal chords that should never be allowed out in public. But even though I can't sing a note, I love to hear music. And this weekend offers some special opportunities.

Gus Leep invites us to The Presbyterian Church of Barrington's "Sing Along" Messiah with professional soloists and orchestra at 4 p.m. Sunday. You can bring a score or buy one at the door and sing along on the choruses. Or just enjoy the music. It's free, though they do accept donations at the church at the corner of Brinker Road and Lake Cook Road.

Singing a song

Or head over to the Raue Center for the Arts in Crystal Lake where the McHenry County College choir will perform its version of a sing-along "Messiah" also at 4 p.m. Sunday at 26 N. Williams St. in downtown Crystal Lake. The choir will be joined by Voices in Harmony, which was formerly the Crystal Lake Community Choir. Tickets are $18 and you can buy scores at the concert.

There will be no mi - mi - mi from a certain columnist at either event. Hallelujah to that.