They were here to play hockey but that is not all they did.
The Soo Thunderbirds visited the students at St. Augustine School in Humboldt on May 9.
The idea was brought forth after the Thunderbirds lost their head coach before coming to the RBC Cup, explained Mike Suchan, a teacher at St. Augustine School.
Not only did they want to let people know they were doing all right without their former coach, they also wanted to have the opportunity to get to know the community they were playing in.
“We just wanted to show our support to the community of Humboldt for hosting (the RBC Cup),” said Thunderbird coach Zoltan Kovacs at the school. “It is important for the players to understand the community they (are playing in) and do community work with the young kids here.”
While at the school, the players read to the younger students, had interactive question and answer sessions with some of the older classes and played a few rounds of floor hockey with the Grade 6 to 8 students.
It was a surprise to the teachers and the students as it was organised after the Thunderbirds arrived in Humboldt.
Suchan said both the students and the players seemed to enjoy their time together.
“I think the kids were very excited to have them come,” said Suchan.
Even though most of the students are big Humboldt Broncos fans, they were still excited to meet the hockey players.
Suchan was impressed with the team’s willingness to work with the students.
“It was nice to see — sometimes you get so wrapped up in (the game),” said Suchan. “We obviously know what their focus is... but it is nice for them to get another little taste of Humboldt other than the rink and the hockey.”