Students at Andover Elementary School enjoyed their guest teachers. The Tampa Bay Lightning’s community hockey department, Lightning Made, taught students, grades one through five, the basic skills to play street hockey.
The physical education classes practiced ball handling drills, shooting technique and teamwork. Then students rotated through a scrimmage match of 5-on-5 to improve their handling and shooting skills. Principal Angela Clayton, pom poms in hand, cheered for the students as they took shots on goal. The students emitted a palpable sense of excitement as their teammate - or opponent - earned a goal.
The Lightning Made, along with their East Coast Hockey League affiliate, the Orlando Solar Bears, sponsored today’s event. Each student received a Build the Thunder starter kit, as well as a free ticket to the Solar Bears opening game on Oct. 12. Additionally, Andover ES received a class set of street hockey equipment to use in their PE classes.
One of the day’s highlights including Solar Bears mascot Shades entertaining the students with his dance moves, like The Floss and Moonwalk. Students also enjoyed meeting former Lightning defenseman Jassen Cullimore, Orlando Solar Bears head coach Drake Berehowsky, and the Lightning Made trainers.
The day was a huge W for Andover ES and the students.