Students cheer as goaltender Harrison Meneghin leads a high-five line during a Medicine Hat Tigers visit to St. Patrick's School on Wednesday for some ball hockey action against students. The school held the special event following its successful Skate-a-Thon fundraiser in January.--NEWS PHOTOS BRENDAN MILLER
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The sound of students cheering for their hometown Tigers was compatible with a large crowd during a home game at Co-op Place, as members of the local WHL club visited St. Patrick’s School on Wednesday to face off against Grade 1 and 5 students in ball hockey.
St. Patrick’s School hosted the special event featuring a handful of players from the Tigers following their annual Skate-a-Thon event that raised more than $10,000, with more than half supporting the local Kinsmen Club efforts to sponsor free public swimming and skating for the community.
Approximately 480 students participated in the Skate-a-Thon held at the Kinplex Arena in January where they took pledges from family members and friends.
“As a Catholic school, we pride ourselves on serving others, and so this was just a great way as a community that we could service our entire city,” says principal Dwayne Unreiner.
As an incentive, the top two classes that raised the most money during the Skate-a-Thon, won a chance to face off against some of their hockey idols from the Tigers.
Students were rewarded with a visit by seven players who spoke to students about their background, sacrifices and aspirations to play professional hockey, and focused on the importance of family and giving back to the community.
“It’s incredible to see families step up and help each other out,” said Oasiz Wiesblatt, Tigers captain. “That just makes the community stronger, it’s awesome.”
“It’s amazing how they become vulnerable and share about their past, and that’s what kids want to know, is that they’re not just a hockey player, they’re a human being,” says Unreiner.
Following a question-and-answer period from students, both the winning Grade 1 and Grade 5 classes geared to play two short matches against the Tigers.
“It was super hard,” jokes Wiesblatt. “You know, they’re aggressive, slashing your ankles, the calls weren’t coming our way, but it was a lot of fun.”
During the action of the game students were watching in the gymnasium, many wearing hockey jerseys, firing up the visiting WHL stars with deafening cheers, and the Tigers reciprocated with ‘the high-five train.’
“The atmosphere was electric,” described Harrison Meneghin, Tigers netminder, “When we first walked in, all the kids were cheering really loud, I think everyone was excited.”
That excitement built throughout both matches by St. Patrick’s School students forced members of the Tigers to take some questionable penalties, allowing students to even the score.
“They’re awesome, just knowing when to back away and give the kids a chance and knowing when to get the crowd going and having a fun goal,” explains Unreiner. “This was the first year where I thought, ‘Let’s have some penalty shots.'”
Following both matches Wiesblatt told reporters he enjoys spending time connecting with youth in the community.
“It’s a lot of fun to come over here and all the boys enjoy it and I really love it. Just giving back to the community, where they are cheering for us all game long … It’s a good feeling.”
After a long road trip the Tigers host two home games this weekend starting with a battle against the Swift Current Broncos tomorrow night, puck drops at 7 p.m.
— with files from James Tubb
