CHL Mississippi RiverKings

RiverKings Face Off Field Trip A Success

Published on February 13, 2008 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


Southaven -- Over 7,000 students, teachers and chaperones from DeSoto County, Shelby County and Memphis City Schools were in attendance Tuesday, January 22 as the RiverKings suffered a tough 4-0 defeat to the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs. The loss however, did not affect the energy of the game.

"The kids came to have a great time," Dave Mattice, Director of Business Operations said, "and they did."

This is the fifth year the RiverKings have hosted area schools for this free educational hockey game, dubbed the Face Off Field Trip.

"Each year the event becomes more and more successful," Mattice commented. "Our staff works hard to make the event both educational and entertaining."

The RiverKings' Face Off Field Trip brings area third through sixth graders into the largest classroom in DeSoto County, teaching students about math, science, English, geography and health.

"Kids want to learn in fun and interactive ways," Vicki Wahl, RiverKings Community Development Representative said. "It is easy to teach them basic skills through an entertaining hockey game. For instance we used the RiverKings team stats so far this season to explain and practice finding the average, median and mode."

Every individual in attendance at the Face Off Field Trip game receives an educational workbook. The workbook changes yearly, allowing for the educational information to be presented in a fresh way.

All in game promotions are made educational as well. Utilizing stoppages in play and intermissions to teach the same subjects as presented throughout the book.

"Our organization believes that educating the youth of today helps us all tomorrow," Mattice said.

The Face Off Field Trip is free of charge to the schools and students who attend, which would not be possible if not for the generous support of area individuals and businesses.

"This year we had a presenting sponsor in Sycamore Bank," Wahl highlighted. "We were so pleased to partner with Sycamore Bank, whose involvement clearly expresses their commitment to the children throughout the surrounding communities."

"Sycamore Bank is proud to sponsor the Face Off Field Trip," John Hornsby, DeSoto County President of Sycamore Bank, said. "The Bank appreciates the opportunity to contribute to such a fun, educational event for the students of Desoto County. This event seems to be getting better every year."

"This event would not be what it has become if not for the volunteers," Wahl continued. "We appreciate so much the help of these individuals who donate their time and efforts to making this event so special."

The RiverKings look forward to planning the Sixth Annual Face Off Field Trip for next year.

"We hope schools, sponsors and volunteers will keep this event in mind for next season," Mattice said. "We look forward to the Sixth Annual Face Off Field Trip being even bigger and better."

For more information on the RiverKings and their involvement within the community please visit www.riverkings.com or call the Community Development Department at 662.342.1755.

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Central Hockey League Stories from February 13, 2008


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