Phantoms Take Time Out to Skate with Fairhaven Students
Published on February 3, 2009 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Mahoning Valley Phantoms News Release
BOARDMAN, OH (Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009) - The Mahoning Valley Phantoms took a little time off from their preparations for this weekend's first-place showdown with the Traverse City North Stars to have some fun with students from the Fairhaven School in Niles.
Phantom players spent their Monday morning skating and interacting with students ranging in age from 11 to 15, all from the intermediate class of the school, which is part of the Fairhaven Program and the Trumbull County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.
Players took turns pushing students in chairs around the Olympic-sized ice sheet at the Ice Zone in Boardman and even helping some of the children take a shot at skating on their own.
Forward Jordy Trottier was one of the players on hand for the event.
"We had a blast getting out there with the kids and helping them enjoy a little ice time," says Trottier. "Getting out there and being a part of the community is a big part of being a Phantom and all the players really enjoy doing it."
Trottier came away from the morning skate with one unforgettable story.
"We had one boy who we were pushing around on the chairs all morning and finally at the end of the day he wanted to try skating on his own. We helped him onto a walker and, sure enough, he skated up and down the rink by himself! It was really enjoyable to see that."
2009 marks the fourth year that students from Fairhaven have come to skate and spend time with the Phantoms.
Ellen Weiss, a Fairhaven teacher, says that the now-annual event is always a great day for the students and the teachers.
"Every year the kids all look forward to skating with the Phantoms, who are always so gracious, kind and fun," says Weiss. "We all may not be able to skate with ice skates but we can still have fun feeling the crisp air of the ice rink on our faces as the players push the students around and around the ice while sitting on chairs.
"It's an experience that they never forget and one they always look forward to."
The Phantoms are back in action on Friday when they open up their three-game series with the second-place North Stars at the Ice Zone at 7:15 PM.
The game will be broadcast live on ESPN Radio 1240, WBBW-AM, with a 7:00 PM pregame show.
Phantoms season tickets and individual game tickets are now on sale at the Phantom Box Office at the Ice Zone in Boardman. Call (330) 965-7500 for more information.
North American Hockey League Stories from February 3, 2009
- Phantoms Take Time Out to Skate with Fairhaven Students - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- Phantoms Deal for Bussell's Scoring Punch - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- Jr. Blues Make Coaching Change; Asst. Maher New Coach - Springfield Jr. Blues
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