The public skating event was made possible by a partnership with Quinnipiac and the university’s extensive history of hockey.

Bethany Zemba, vice president for strategy and community relations and chief of staff, said the university values making positive, tangible impacts in the community. When the university learned of the need for ice skates to provide the opportunity for open skating to the town, it jumped into action.

“We seek out opportunities to partner with our sister town of Hamden,” said Zemba. “In the tradition of Quinnipiac ice hockey and our strong partnership with the Hamden community, we are gratified to provide ice skates to families so that they can enjoy a fun evening of skating and togetherness and thereby contribute to the success of the Mayor’s Skate Night event.”

More than 100 residents attended the first skate night and many requested more events of this kind in the future.

“We want Hamden to have more family-friendly opportunities for kids to have fun,” said Mayor Lauren Garrett.

Garrett said she was grateful to Quinnipiac for bringing together the community in this unique way. The rink managers were inspired by the success of the event and plan to offer public skating regularly.