HERSHEY, Pa. — On their off-day, some Hershey Bears players took a trip back to school to meet students at Milton Hershey School for a day they will never forget.
The players interacted with first and third graders at the school for a variety of activities including a pick-up game of floor hockey.
"It's really fun," said Taytum, a first-grade student at Milton Hershey. "They're really, really, really good!"
It was a way for the team to give back to a community that has given so much to them and shown them never-ending support.
"The Hershey Bears are more than just a hockey team, it’s really a whole community," said Hershey Bears forward Matt Strome. "It just means so much for us to be able to interact with some of them. It shows how much support we have around here."
The special visit allowed kids to meet the players they look up to.
"What better way than to bring these people that they look up to as role models here into the building and to interact with them," said Amanda Smith, the principal of Milton Hershey Elementary School. "They absolutely love it, the mentorship that they make is incredible."
All the while students at Milton Hershey made sure to put the players to work on their off-day with playoffs just around the corner.
"It was probably more tiring out here today [than practice]," said Strome. "Those kids got lots of energy. It was fun to see them run around, play tag with them and just see the smiles on their face was awesome."
An extra “workout” to fit into their busy week of games, they would sign up for every time.
"You really just take a step back and really enjoy what you do," said Strome. "It was just such a great day being with the first and third graders. It kind of takes me back to having some good memories."
A visit students at Milton Hershey will welcome again and again.
"100% they are always welcome," said Smith. It was the best day. The kids are grinning from ear to ear, they’re tired but had a really great day with them."