The Wonderland of Ice rink in Bridgeport, though situated nearly 4,000 miles away from the Winter Olympics in Italy, has a significant connection to four representatives of Team USA: Tage Thompson in men’s hockey, Aerin Frankel in women’s hockey, and Kristen Santos-Griswold in speedskating, as well as Chris Drury, who serves as the assistant general manager for the men’s hockey team.
Lisa Fedick, the rink’s general manager, expressed immense pride in their local athletes, stating, “They all call Wonderland home, and they’re part of our Wonderland family.” Fedick and her husband, John Ferguson, who co-manage the rink, are eager to support these athletes in person during the Olympics.
Each Olympian has dedicated considerable time to training at Wonderland throughout their youth. Kristen Santos-Griswold, originally from Fairfield, recalls spending hours at the rink. Her father, Rick Santos, reflected on those memories, noting it was “a home away from home.” Fedick fondly remembered coaching Kristen through her figure skating journey before she transitioned into speed skating, which she started exploring at the age of nine. Santos remarked on his daughter’s dedication, stating, “Kristen is the hardest worker I know.” Now, Santos-Griswold is set to make her mark on the Olympic stage after previously competing in Beijing 2022, with aspirations for medal success this time.
Similarly, Aerin Frankel, who started her journey at Wonderland at just ten years old, is another local talent stealing the spotlight. Known for her toughness and commitment, Frankel has made a name for herself in women’s hockey, currently playing for the Boston Fleet. Fedick described her as “a woman who amazes me,” and recounted how she excelled playing on boys’ teams, highlighting her remarkable skills and work ethic.
Tage Thompson’s story also resonates with those at Wonderland. He began his journey there at the age of 12 and quickly became known for his unmatched work ethic and skill, qualities that served him well as he joined the Buffalo Sabres. Fedick noted that his dedication to practice was evident, regardless of the hour.
Chris Drury, who played in prior Olympics and now serves a managerial role, has deep roots at Wonderland. Fedick reminisced about Drury’s commitment to the sport, sharing an anecdote of him choosing to practice on Christmas Eve instead of celebrating with family, demonstrating his love for hockey and dedication to mastering his craft.
Fedick and Ferguson, who last attended the Olympics in 2002 to support Drury, are excited to cheer for the current athletes, acknowledging the overwhelming pride they feel as they watch them perform at the pinnacle of their careers. Ferguson optimistically predicted a three-gold medal performance for the athletes, underscoring their hopes for success. Regardless of the outcomes, the rink plans to celebrate all their Olympians upon their return, showcasing the strong community bonds formed through sport and shared experiences.