This week I am busy with the annual Senior World Hockey Tournament being hosted at Snoopy’s Home Ice. This is the 36th tournament, and we have 58 teams participating. Every year the tournament begins with a hospitality event as all of the teams come together for the first time, though this time was extra special, as we were able to recognize two outstanding citizens with a Lifetime Recognition Award.

John and Mary Louise Riley moved to Santa Rosa in 1966. They and their three boys quickly got involved with activities in the original ice arena on the east side of Santa Rosa, which was run by brothers Skippy and Merle Baxter. The original arena was closed in June of 1967, and Sparky and Joyce Schulz began building a new arena on the west side of town, which opened in 1969. John and Mary Louise were instrumental members of both the Santa Rosa Junior Hockey Club and the Santa Rosa Figure Skating Club.

In 1974, Sparky and the Redwood Empire Ice Arena hosted the first annual Senior Hockey Tournament. Again, the Rileys played an important role in all aspects of this tournament, and this year they were recognized for their contributions to several generations of ice skaters and hockey players. This award is a very small token of our family’s appreciation to two outstanding citizens.

“Generations of athletes, both young and old, thank you for your volunteerism, and for sharing the joys of Ice Hockey. We thank you for more than 35 years of dedicated support and participation in Snoopy’s Senior World Hockey Tournament.

With gratitude & appreciation,
Snoopy’s Home Ice & the Schulz Family / July 2011″

Mary Louise (in the Sally Shirt) and John (in dark blue) listen as Justin Higgs,
General Manager of Snoopy’s Home Ice, speaks about their contributions…

—Jean Schulz