Courtesy photos Gavin Winterstein and Lucas Weir celebrate with Pied Piper student Dylan George after scoring goals to the net.
Alpena – For the second year in a row, the Alpena Wildcats Hockey team visited Pied Piper School, bringing many smiles on Tuesday.
Visits quickly become a meaningful tradition, allowing Wildcats to connect with younger fans in an environment beyond the link, while giving Pied Piper students the opportunity to experience hockey firsthand.
Pied Piper teacher Larry Johns explained the importance of the visit and highlighted how it tied to the school’s physical education curriculum.
“We teach basic sports skills in our PE classes, including basketball, soccer, hockey,” he said. “This experience makes learning opportunities profoundly meaningful and appealing to students.”
Assistant captain Michael Kreis was one of the first players to join this year, and he quickly saw why his teammates loved it so much.
Courtesy photos Brody Misiak, Clark Weir, Michael Kreis and Gavin Winterstein will perform scrimmage with Pied Piper students on Tuesday. Members of the Wildcat Hockey team stopped by the school to share games with students.
“I had a ball looking at old friends in elementary, middle school or high school,” he said. “I think it’s important for us to continue doing this because it gives both parties a change in the landscape we interact with people we’re talking about “not us.” ”
For Pied Piper students, this experience was more than just a chance to play hockey.
“I think this benefits the kids by showing the kids that others care about other people besides their teachers and their families,” Kreis said. “To be honest, I think it will benefit us even more. It shows how lucky we are and reminds us that those kids are always happy. My. In opinion, they are no different than any of us.”
The Wildcats waste no time involving students. After a brief demonstration, they taught them how to shoot and pass before playing some filming games where all students score.
“When they set goals together, there was laughter and excitement between them – together!” said Geri Samp, a teacher consultant who teaches Adaptive PE.
Alpena Hockey head coach Ben Henry saw first-hand how the visit will affect Pied Piper players and students.
“My kids love it,” he said. “I know their kids love it. The kids at school see my hockey guy as a rock star. I want to go back every year. My kids are with it. I have a great time and enjoy spending time with them.”
Beyond drills and scrimmage, Henry hopes his players leave with something deeper.
“I hope that everyone will take away their path to life — it may be harder than others, but we can work together and get through things,” he says. I said that. “A small act of kindness is the longest way for many people. Being a good person is more than just a good athlete.”
For Pied Piper students, Wildcat hockey players are not just athletes, they are heroes.
“Pid Piper students see hockey players as local heroes. Dr. Jamie McClintic, occupational therapist at Pied Piper, said: “Hockey players are on ice as players. , and knows the value of ice from outside as humans. They know they are influencers. And they have more impact than some of the most impressive students in our area. What better people? Put them all in the room and the magic shines.”
Courtesy photos Gavin Winterstein and Lucas Weir celebrate with Pied Piper student Dylan George after scoring goals to the net.
Courtesy photos Brody Misiak, Clark Weir, Michael Kreis and Gavin Winterstein will perform scrimmage with Pied Piper students on Tuesday. Members of the Wildcat Hockey team stopped by the school to share games with students.
Today’s broken news, etc. in your inbox
Alpena – Meteorologists at the National Weather Service are seeing snowstorms that could cause a crash…
Alpena – The Alpena Sports Hall of Fame Board has announced the class of 2024.
Winter taxes in Alpena are due on Friday. Any payments made will be subject to penalty. Press…
Editor’s Note: Tuesday’s community calendar didn’t have enough space for all of the events this week.
