Aces Players Captivate Local Children

January 7, 2005 - SPHL (SPHL)
Asheville Aces News Release


[ASHEVILLE, N.C.] 1/7/05 - As 370 First, Second and Third Grade students at West Buncombe Elementary School listened intently to Aces goalie Mark Scally Wednesday afternoon, it was very clear that this was an event that would forever be etched in their minds. Later in the evening, young Korey Owens from Arden, North Carolina had a similar exciting encounter with three of his hockey heroes. Aces players Peter Bournazakis, Joel Petkoff and Brett Roat happily signed autographs at Texas Roadhouse Restaurant for Korey and numerous other young hockey fans.

Today's events are the examples of many new community and youth initiatives planned by the Aces. The Aces are currently planning weekly visits to Mission Hospital to visit with children and families in the ICU and Trauma units as well as numerous Elementary, Middle and High School appearances by Aces players and Head Coach Jeff Brubaker.

Response from the West Buncombe Elementary School visit was incredible. Phys Ed teacher, Katherine Thomas, who recently taught a unit on hockey to the First, Second and Third graders was thrilled with the response from the children. "Mark did a fabulous job and the students learned a lot from his lecture," Katherine said. "They got even more excited when Mark gave each student a ticket to come watch him in action on January 15th." The Aces have developed a Student Ticket Voucher that will be given out to students at Elementary Schools that Aces players visit.

Aces Assistant Coach, Christian Stein, who is also responsible for Player/Community Relations, further emphasized the importance of community involvement. "It is imperative that our players be available to the children and young adults of the Asheville community. As professional athletes, they can make a major impact on the future of the youth - it can be something as simple as sending them home with a smile on their face to something as great as lifting the spirit of a sick child to help them heal faster. We have seen first hand the lasting impression our players have left on the faces of children throughout the holiday season at Mission Hospital and Eliada Home where they delivered teddy bears to the children, and today at West Buncombe Elementary and Texas Roadhouse. We want to reach out to as many kids in the Asheville area as we can."

The Aces will have players on-hand on January 19th at Texas Roadhouse for autographs, photos and to answer any questions with many more appearances in the works. If you would like to book a school or any other player appearance, please contact Christian Stein in the Aces office at (828) 350-7777.



SPHL Stories from January 7, 2005


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central