OHL Ottawa 67's

Ottawa 67's are Champions for Education

Published on March 1, 2009 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Ottawa 67's News Release


Being successful on the ice and in the classroom are two very important components with the Ottawa 67's Hockey Club. They believe hard work, determination, discipline, and focus will help lead to success in every aspect of your life.

As a result, the players are looked up to and idolized by youngsters throughout Ottawa - and the club acknowledges this popularity by sending players to visit and meet with students from various elementary schools.

In 1999, the 67's established the 'Champions for Education' program that takes place during the school year. Players, with the direction of Brian Patafie, Ottawa 67's trainer, visit schools to discuss topics that stress the importance of staying in school and how bullying is not accepted, in any form.

Brian Patafie not only introduces the program and the players, but also talks about his own struggles in school and the steps he took to overcome them. He talks about best friends and how there are some best friends in your life that keep you in the right path. 'Do you know who I'm talking about,' he asks, and continues to explain how teachers are our best friend.

The players, who are usually greeted with a rock-star like welcome, also talk about their experiences and how they believe 'school is cool.'

The students then get a chance to ask the players questions that can vary from how they dealt with bullying to who their favourite NHL star is.

'The program is a great idea and a tremendous source of school spirit for our school,' says Linda Mosely, Principal of Holy Redeemer Elementary School in Kanata. 'We have welcomed the players into our school for a couple of years and the students love it. It becomes Ottawa 67's day when they visit.'

'As principal, I really appreciate and support how the players encourage shaping a safer school.'

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from March 1, 2009


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