Branford, Conn., — Members of the 18U Elite Hockey Academy team visited 15 different classrooms at Tisko Elementary School on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 to meet and read to students in grades Pre-K to 4.
The event was spearheaded by program director Peter Alden as he remembered the impact he and his teammates made in the community as a student athlete at Quinnipiac University.
“Giving back to our community is a great opportunity to remind our student-athletes that when they are out on the ice they have so many little eyes watching them and looking up to them,” Peter Alden said. “It teaches them that what they do on and off the ice matters and it emphasizes the importance of always exhibiting teamwork and showing respect for their opponents, their coaches and members of their community.
Visiting local schools is two-fold, not only are the younger students able to meet the players off the ice, but the players are able to see the impact they have on the younger generation and give back to their community while being positive role models for the children.
“To be able to come out and encourage reading, doing well in school and to engage with young kids in the community is awesome,” said 18U Senior forward, Michael Azzarone. You try to remember yourself as one of those little kids, wide-eyed at hearing these hockey players speak. So it’s pretty cool to be on the other side of it.”
Members of the team read books that were hockey and Halloween themed. They also spent time answering questions the younger students had with an emphasis on sports and academics.
Following the time spent with the kids and question and answer period, students had an opportunity to get autographs signed from the 18U Elite Hockey players and take pictures with them. The players and students were buzzing with excitement.
The Elite Hockey Academy players have been giving back to their community in other ways as well. The Academy boys volunteered in local soup kitchens, raked leaves for veterans, delivered toys for Connecticut’s Children’s Hospital and more!
Thanks to the Tisko Elementary school and the Branford Schools for embracing us into their community and we look forward to seeing what’s next!
To find out how to get involved with our community fundraising efforts or how we can continue to help people in our community, please email Palden@EliteHockeyAAA.com.