By Matt Stefano
This past Wednesday morning, children at the Sault Area Hospital got a treat from the sixth best team in Canada. Eleven members of the NOJHL’s Soo Thunderbirds including general manager Jamie Henderson, players Aiden Salerno, Brandon Grandinetti, Jake Behse, Andrew Barbeau, Nathan Warren, Izaak Del Mastro, Joey Miller, Jaren Bellini, Matt Pinder and captain Brett Jeffries all made an appearance.
“We ask our players and staff to represent our team and the sweater in a positive manner both on and off the ice at all times,” said T-Birds general manager Jamie Henderson. “This week, a group of players had the pleasure of visiting the local hospital which is just as rewarding for us as it is for those we visit,” continued Henderson. “Engaging with the community off the ice is something the organization understands is not only a privilege, but something we look forward to with each opportunity,” Henderson concluded.
In an email from Rose Calibani, communications and public affairs officer for SAH mentioned , “The team was respectful, compliant with our policies and engaged in the experience.”
“During the visit, I was speaking to a mother of one of the children and she was thrilled that her son had the opportunity to visit with the Thunderbirds,” Calibani said.
The Thunderbirds, who are currently ranked sixth in Canada, will entertain the Elliot Lake Wildcats tonight at 7:30 p.m. from the Essar Centre. Tonight also marks the second of two “Pink In The Rink” nights in support of breast cancer awareness month and all pink jerseys will be auctioned on the Soo Thunderbirds Facebook page sometime next week.
