2008 Woodie Awards
Kids of all ages meet and greet hockey squads
Black Bear men's and women's teams welcome fans into Alfond Arena for Skate with the Bears
Candace Daley
Issue date: 12/13/07 Section: Maine Sports
The Alfond Arena swarmed with young skaters, parents and fans of the University of Maine's men's and women's hockey teams Sunday, Dec. 9. Kids dressed in full hockey gear skated through the crowds, while others approached their favorite team members for autographs and pictures. Smiles adorned their faces as they talked about their games and seasons with the Black Bears.
According to the Men's Head Coach Tim Whitehead, the turnout for the annual event has been better since the women's team was invited to take part. He said they have a lot of fun with the fans during this event.
Skating with the Bears is a free event sponsored by Machias Savings Bank. According to Jamie Moreau, president for Friends of Maine Hockey, this is a great chance for the public to come and meet the men's and women's teams. They are able to collect autographs, have pictures taken and just chat with the players.
"You see the players on the ice during a game with their gear on, but you could pass them on the street and not recognize them," Moreau said. "So it's a great chance to really get to know them as people."
Free food and hot chocolate were passed out at the doors, along with sheets with player's names and pictures for signing. People were invited to bring their cameras and take pictures.
The players seemed like they were having a good time with their fans. They all had on big smiles as they stooped down to take pictures with their young fans and sign jerseys. Junior forward Chris Hahn seemed to be signing autographs a bit too feverishly and, as a result, he snuck off the ice with permanent marker on his nose.
"It is good to get the kids on the ice and give them a chance to meet us. A chance for a little one-on-one," Hahn said. "It's a lot of fun meeting kids and hearing their perspectives on the game. It's pretty funny sometimes."
Junior goalie Ben Bishop spent the afternoon sporting a Santa hat and a big grin.
"Ben Bishop is my favorite because he's a goalie, and I like goalies. They're cool," 9-year-old Grace Perron said.
According to the Men's Head Coach Tim Whitehead, the turnout for the annual event has been better since the women's team was invited to take part. He said they have a lot of fun with the fans during this event.
Skating with the Bears is a free event sponsored by Machias Savings Bank. According to Jamie Moreau, president for Friends of Maine Hockey, this is a great chance for the public to come and meet the men's and women's teams. They are able to collect autographs, have pictures taken and just chat with the players.
"You see the players on the ice during a game with their gear on, but you could pass them on the street and not recognize them," Moreau said. "So it's a great chance to really get to know them as people."
Free food and hot chocolate were passed out at the doors, along with sheets with player's names and pictures for signing. People were invited to bring their cameras and take pictures.
The players seemed like they were having a good time with their fans. They all had on big smiles as they stooped down to take pictures with their young fans and sign jerseys. Junior forward Chris Hahn seemed to be signing autographs a bit too feverishly and, as a result, he snuck off the ice with permanent marker on his nose.
"It is good to get the kids on the ice and give them a chance to meet us. A chance for a little one-on-one," Hahn said. "It's a lot of fun meeting kids and hearing their perspectives on the game. It's pretty funny sometimes."
Junior goalie Ben Bishop spent the afternoon sporting a Santa hat and a big grin.
"Ben Bishop is my favorite because he's a goalie, and I like goalies. They're cool," 9-year-old Grace Perron said.
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