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Phantoms champion ‘Hockey for Health’ at Watson
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Phantoms players Richard Zehnal (back right), J.T. Stenglein, Pat Conte, Sam Anas, and Alex Dahl smiled with the second-graders at Watson Elementary on Dec. 8.
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Second-grader Elaine Zheng said she felt funny when she tried on the heavily padded hockey pants that Phantoms players wear during their games.
By SARAH FOOR
This season, members of the Youngstown Phantoms hockey team are visiting local schools to share their “Hockey for Health” initiative, which focuses on the importance of healthy living.
Five players visited Watson Elementary on Dec. 8 to share some of their tips on staying active and eating well. Alex Dahl, Richard Zehnal, J.T. Stenglein, Pat Conte and Sam Anas addressed a group of excited second-graders when they visited the school.
“We have to eat right and be in good shape as professional athletes,” Conte explained. “I eat lots of vegetables and protein, although I can’t deny having a Snickers bar every once in a while.”
The athletes showed off some of their gear and shared interesting hockey facts with the students.
“A hockey puck is kept frozen to prepare for every game. When it’s frozen, it won’t bounce around so much on the ice,” Stenglein pointed out.
The students had a chance to get their hands on a puck and other hockey gear when the players took one of Watson’s four second-grade classrooms to explore the equipment.
Students tried on heavily padded hockey pants, slipped on gloves and wore oversized Phantoms jerseys.
The players even let the kids hold a hockey stick and take a swing at a puck.
Ashley Brindle, director of game day operations for the Phantoms, said kids get a great deal from the Hockey for Health program.
“Physical activity like hockey is a great way to stay active and healthy along with eating right. During our presentations, we try and give the kids opportunities to try out a sport they might not otherwise,” Brindle said.
At the end of the event, the Phantoms handed out free passes to a game, as well as a free lesson pass for hockey or ice skating at the Ice Zone.