Jan. 21, 2010
CLICK FOR PICTURES FROM THE EVENT AT CRISAFULLI ELEMENTARY
The UMass Lowell hockey team took some time off on Thursday to speak to students at the John A. Crisafulli Elementary School in Westford. An annual event for the River Hawks, Steve Capraro (Medford, MA), Sammy D'Agostino (Medford, MA) and Riley Wetmore (Swanton, VT) joined ninth-year head coach Blaise MacDonald at the microphone in front of over 400 students.
"It is a very rewarding experience to see the looks on these kids' faces," said senior defenseman Capraro, who spoke at the Crisafulli School for the third year in a row. "It's actually very special, they look forward to us coming in and when we leave they're star struck. We're just human beings, but we can have such an impact on these little kids--it's a really good feeling."
During the event, the students were able to ask the team questions about their experiences in dealing with adversity and overcoming personal struggles in school.
"I think the kids in elementary school are very impressionable," said MacDonald. "Our players talk about their challenges at that age, whether it was with reading or math. I think it resonates really well with kids that might be feeling bad about themselves because they don't read that well or write that well, but just continue to practice at it."
In addition to answering questions, the players signed autographs and handed out free UMass Lowell ticket vouchers. They also took a tour of the school and visited some of the classrooms.
"It's nice to give back to the kids," said junior forward D'Agostino, speaking at the Crisafulli School for the second time. "I've been through the school levels around this area and it is nice to see kids looking up to you. It's a good sense of excitement to see how happy it makes them and it makes us feel good too."
Today's talk was part of an ongoing effort by UMass Lowell hockey to speak at local schools each season. Already this year, the River Hawks have made trips to Westford Academy, Frederick J. Dutile Elementary in Billerica, and St. Michael's School in North Andover.
"I feel it is our responsibility to give back to the community that supports us so well," MacDonald continued. "I thought our guys did a really good job today and it's good for us to reflect upon on where we came from as well."
