The excitement and anticipation was high at Pope John Paul II School on February 17th as students gathered from St. Louis School, Pope John Paul II School and École Ste-Marguerite Bourgeoys for the Kenora Catholic District School Board's Hockey Day in Canada visit. The visit was pure hockey joy!
Students loved interacting with all the Mascots while they waited for their hockey heroes to arrive. Mike E. Moose (Jets Mascot), Hip Hop (Hockey Night in Manitoba Mascot), Carlton the Bear (Leafs Mascot), Scoti (Scotiabank Mascot), and Courage the Cardinal (PJP II Mascot) were a huge hit today and really got the students excited and energized. The students were following Mike E. Moose around chanting, "let's Go Moose, Let's Go! Let's Go Moose, Let's Go!"
The students raised the roof at Pope John Paul II School with cheering, delight and pure hockey joy as their hockey heroes entered the gym. Mark Napier, Darcy Tucker, Bryan Trottier, Wendel Clark and Mike Richards visited for the KCDSB Hockey Day in Canada event. Ken Reid was the emcee of the event.
Students, Wyatt, Mandy, Jordan, Tyren, David-Wayne and Jonathan each had an opportunity to ask a hockey question to a alumni. When Mandy was asked about the experience, she had this to say, "it was amazing to meet all of these great hockey players and to celebrate a sport that Canada loves. Today was amazing."
We captured our student interview team exploring the Stanley Cup as they waited for their turn on the mic. After the event we asked Wyatt (who was on the mic during these pictures) what he was thinking being that close to the cup, "it's pretty awesome to get to be that close to the Stanley Cup. It was nerve-wracking, but it is my favorite memory from today."
Ken Reid led the students and the alumni through the Canadian Reaffirmation of Citizenship Oath, which was followed by the St. Thomas Aquinas High School Band performing the Canadian Anthem.
The Kenora Catholic District School Board would like to thank everyone who made this visit such an amazing experience. Thank you to all the Mascots for their energy and fun, the local organizing committee, SportsNet, the NHL and the hockey alumni. The students experienced pure hockey joy at their Hockey Day in Canada visit and a true sense of community and passion for one of Canada's favorite sports. Thank you.
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| Every type of hockey jersey was worn. |
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| Little hockey games popped up as the students waited for their Hockey Day in Canada guests to arrive. |
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| Pure joy and excitement can be seen on the student's faces as they wait for their Hockey Day in Canada guests to arrive. |
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| We learned that Mike E. Moose can be a little naughty but has a great sense of humour. |
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| Hop Hop did an amazing job getting the students excited. He's got some great moves! |
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| Pope John Paul II School's Cardinal was wearning his Hockey Day in Canada jersey to greet the other mascots. |
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| A group of students had the chance to ask a hockey alumni a questions about hockey. |
The student interview team was caught exploring the Stanley Cup while they waited for their turn on the mic. |
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