WESTMORELAND, N.Y.- February 27, 2024 was an exciting day for the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth grade students at Westmoreland Central School District. The gymnasium in Upper Elementary School was filled with cheering as Principal, Trevor Haskell, told kids they would be attending the first game of the Women’s Ice Hockey World Championships.
When the students were asked to report to the gymnasium they were met with fist bumps and high fives from the Utica University Women’s Hockey Players. Once all the kids were seated, Mr. Haskell made his announcement (about the hockey game) and then handed the floor to Jon Lundin, the Communications Director for the Adirondack Sports Council, who is organizing the championships and outreach for them. He introduced the activity books created by Tricia Preston who is a former teacher and head of Community Engagement for the Adirondack Sports Council. About 300 books were passed out to students by the Utica University Hockey Players and they were even able to snag some autographs from the players.
The books include pictures of hockey players for the students to color, the rules of hockey and all the countries participating in the championships. It’s also a way for them to learn more about the games and women in sports.
Several media outlets from the Mohawk Valley attended the event. The championships are taking place in Utica at the Nexus Center, April 3-14. Students with the Westmoreland Central School District will be at the first game watching Denmark and Sweden on the ice.
CLICK HERE for pictures from the activity book handout.