Phantoms player visits St. Christine’s

Photo

Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Alex Dahl showed off his Phantoms jersey that he wears during games as he answered questions from St. Christine students. Dahl enjoyed a half hour question and answer session with the students during his Jan. 12 visit.

Photo

Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Youngstown Phantoms hockey player Alex Dahl visited St. Christine School on Jan, 12 to talk about hockey. Dahl explained the gear that he wears under his uniform during every game and how it keeps him safe.

By SARAH FOOR

sfoor@vindy.com

Youngstown Phantoms player Alex Dahl visited St. Christine School on Jan. 12 to give students a behind-the-scenes look at the game of hockey.

Ashley Brindle, director of game day operations for the Phantoms, brought some hockey gear and Dahl explained the many ways in which the equipment keeps him safe.

He pointed out the interesting parts of hockey sticks, padded pants, gloves, pucks, Phantoms jerseys and even explored the intricacies of helmets.

“Some guys prefer to wear their helmets with a half mask and others like a cage that covers their whole face. I like the full cage, because if I take a puck to the face, I can still keep all my teeth,” Dahl joked.

Dahl opened up the floor for questions from the students and was amazed at the variety of queries the students offered. In a half-hour question-and-answer session, Dahl spoke of how he began playing hockey, the effect his older brother had on his play, his childhood in Wisconsin and the ins and outs of the intense games he plays with the Phantoms.

“I was really impressed with the intelligence of the students here at St. Christine’s. I was told there is a big group of students who play for the local kids hockey team, so they had great knowledge of the game and awesome questions to ask. They were very respectful and smart,” Brindle said of the students.

Throughout the event, Dahl stressed the importance of staying fit and being active, as well as doing well in school.

“Keeping your mind and your body in great shape is good for hockey and for life, too,” he said.