Players Face Flyers Biron & Niittymaki in Shootout

Thirty ESYHF participants were invited to watch the Philadelphia Flyers pose for their team picture and practice on Thursday, March 20 at the Wachovia Center. After practice, students had a chance to face Flyers goaltenders Martin Biron and Antero Niitymaki in a shootout. Flyers captain Jason Smith and coaches Jack McIlhargey, Joe Mullen, and Reggie Lemelin were also on hand lending encouragement and instruction to the players.

After Flyers personnel left the ice, ESYHF players participated in a 45-minute practice of their own. It was the second time in three days that ESYHF students skated at the Wachovia Center. With most city schools on their spring and Easter breaks, ESYHF was able to play a full-ice intrasquad game at the Center on Tuesday afternoon.

After their practice, participants were treated to lunch and an educational tour of the Wachovia Center, spending time in the pressbox and getting a view of the Philadelphia skyline from the balcony level.

It was a full day of hockey and educational opportunities for ESYHF and its participants.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008