NY Islander Stars Visit Glen Cove School

Students at the  attended a special assembly on Thursday: a question and answer session with NY Islander star players Rick DiPietro and Trent Hunter.

The school earned the visit as part of the Islanders School Day program, which takes Islander players from the team to various elementary schools across Long Island. The school was selected through a school-spirit contest, nominated by a letter from the principal, followed by a surprise visit from a representative of the Islanders organization to measure the spirit throughout the halls of the school, according to physical education teacher Johnna Vullo.

"All of the kids looked forward to this day for week upon week. We played hockey for weeks, and we learned all of the rules," said Vullo. "One of our students, Nick, actually plays ice hockey, and he was just so excited".

There was a huge applause for Rick DiPietro and Trent Hunter's arrival in the gymnasium, as students cheered, clad in orange and blue.

After the duo spoke on the importance of education and hard work, the floor was opened to the students, who carefully listened and eagerly waited to ask their questions to the NHL stars, but not before a chant of "Let's go Islanders" broke out.

The kids asked about anything from pre-game jitters, to how they can become a professional athlete.

"It's great to come out here and interact with the kids", said right winger Trent Hunter, who is originally from Canada. "We had a blast".

"I just hope everyone had a good time, and hope they learned some of what it takes, not just to be successful at hockey. Honestly, we get more out of it then you'd think," said goalie Rick DiPietro, who represented the United States in the 2006 Olympic Games. "This is what you dream about, to be in the position to not only show the kids a good time, but to also teach them something."

SLCD Executive Director Ellenmorris Tiegerman wished the Islanders back soon: "Everybody who comes here as a friend, is always a friend," she said.