North Stars play Santa
Christmas came early thanks to a group of selfless Niagara North Star hockey players and coaches.
The North Stars U15 and U16 teams teamed up to collect 12 barrels of food and another 12 barrels of toys as part of a Toys for Tots game this week.
The lobby at the Seymour-Hanna Sports Complex was overflowing with good cheer Wednesday night before the U16 North Stars took on Halton in a regular season matchup won 2-1 by the North Stars.
The drive was organized by U15 coach Jay Glenney.
“We think it’s important not only to work the kids on the ice, but build a team culture, community,” Glenney said. “Everyone has aspirations to move on and this is part of junior hockey, they really promote the community aspect, so we thought it’s good to start these kids off and show an appreciation to the community.”
Glenney appreciated Halton jumping on board as well.
“We sent out notes to the Halton team and they donated as well. So all our players, families, they went out to their families and bought as much as they could.”
U16 coach Curtis Conrad loves the concept.
“It’s great to see our whole organization come together to support the community and support those that are less fortunate,” he said. “You know our boys are pretty fortunate kids getting to play hockey at a high level, traveling around, all that kind of stuff. So it’s nice for them to understand that it’s important to give back and build them up as pillars in our community.
“It’s a good cause for the community and a way to bring our organization together for a night.”
Glenney said the players were enthusiastic to give back to the community.
“We asked the kids to use your own money and do the shopping with the parents,” Glenney said. “And I know they did that, so it was good. It wasn’t just mom and dad going out to do it. They got involved and went out and did it.
“They enjoyed it, they understand it, and really bought in. You know, some of the kids drive 45 minutes, so their only night they have off in 10 nights, and they’re still here at the rink.”
Glenney said the food and toys will be donated to the Salvation Army.
Niagara North vice-president Jim Craig was proud of all those involved.
“All thanks to the Glenney family and Jay for spearheading this. They’re really the people driving it. We’re just pleased as an organization to see our boys give back to the community,” Craig said. “I think they get a lot from our community so we’re really happy to see them get something back.”
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