The construction of the 92,000 square foot community center in 2011 offered Vaughn an entry point to the game that Eli was missing growing up. The donation from Enterprise and accompanying Learn to Play program was designed to offer another entry point for Seneca children, allowing families to test their interest without the worry of lofty equipment prices.
Jayde Stevens attended the session with her six- and five-year-old sons, Curtis and Cyrus. The two had become Sabres fans from attending games but had only dabbled in skating prior to Thursday.
"We want to make sure this is something they want do before making the commitment and all the purchasing of the equipment and everything," Stevens said. "And we have two boys, so you have to purchase two of everything. It was nice getting the equipment so they can try it out and see if it's something they want to continue doing. That really helped."
Kevin Brooks took up playing hockey at age 46, when the Cattaraugus Community Center was built. The hockey bug spread to his grandson, who now plays travel hockey along with lacrosse and golf. Brooks said other Seneca children have followed suit, playing for travel teams in Fredonia and West Seneca.
"It's a handful of our kids," he said. "This would make it more accessible to them, to have the equipment to start and see where it goes. See how far it takes them."
Brooks was attending the Learn to Play session with his younger grandson, Lincoln.
"This is an awesome program," he said. "It's really good for them. And you don't know where they can go. You have the Pat Kanes and the Kaletas, they're all local boys. It takes work, no doubt. It takes work and a lot of dedication, but this is a start."
