The visit has quickly become a meaningful tradition, giving students at Pied Piper a chance to experience hockey firsthand while allowing the Wildcats to connect with young fans in a setting beyond the rink.

Pied Piper teacher Larry Johns explained the significance of the visit, emphasizing how it ties into the school’s physical education curriculum.

“We teach fundamental sports skills in PE class, such as basketball, soccer, and hockey,” he said. “This experience makes the learning opportunity deeply meaningful and engaging for the students.”

Assistant captain Michael Kreis was among the players who participated for the first time this year, and he immediately saw why his teammates loved it so much.

Courtesy Photo Brody Misiak, Clark Weir, Michael Kreis, and Gavin Winterstein play a scrimmage with Pied Piper students on Tuesday. Members of the Wildcat hockey team stopped by the school to share the game with the students.

“I had a ball seeing old friends from elementary, middle school, or even high school,” he said. “I think it’s important for us to continue doing this because it gives both parties a change of scenery where we are interacting with people who are so-called ‘different than us.'”

For the students at Pied Piper, the experience was more than just a chance to play hockey — it was a moment to feel seen and appreciated.

“I think this benefits the kids at Pied Piper by showing them that other people, besides their teachers and families, care about them,” Kreis said. “Honestly, I think it benefits us even more. It shows us how fortunate we are and reminds us that those kids are just always happy. In my opinion, they are no different than any of us.”

The Wildcats wasted no time getting the students involved. After a quick demonstration, they taught them how to shoot and pass before playing a few shooting games where every student got to score.

“There was laughter and excitement between them as they made goals together — together!” said Geri Samp, a teacher consultant who teaches adaptive PE.

Alpena hockey head coach Ben Henry has seen firsthand the impact this visit has on his players and the students at Pied Piper.

“My kids love it,” he said. “I know their kids love it. Those kids at school look at my hockey guys as rock stars. I want to keep going back each year. My kids have a great time with it and enjoy giving back and spending time with them.”

Beyond the drills and scrimmages, Henry hopes his players walk away with something deeper.

“I hope they take away that everyone has a path in life — some may be harder than others — but working together, they can and will get through things,” he said. “A small act of kindness goes the longest way for tons of people. Being a good person is more than just being a good athlete.”

For the students at Pied Piper, the Wildcat hockey players aren’t just athletes — they are heroes.

“The Pied Piper students view the hockey players as local heroes; People the students look up to and people they feel comfortable being around,” said Dr. Jamie McClintic, an occupational therapist at Pied Piper. “The hockey players know their value as players on the ice and as human beings off the ice. They know they are influencers. And what better people to influence than some of the most impressionable students in our area? Put them all in a room together, and the magic is radiant.”