It’s not every day children get a chance to hang out with an NHL player, let alone a Stanley Cup Champion. That was the case today in Saint John, when Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Marc Andre Fleury dropped by.
The two time Stanley Cup champ was a guest of McDonald’s and the atoMc hockey program. It supports house league atom teams across Canada and is the only minor hockey sponsorship initiative endorsed by Hockey Canada
Fleury, a program ambassador, was trying to express the importance of teamwork at today’s Summer Sports Camp Day.
“If it’s hockey or basketball or soccer, if you can get along all together and play together as a team then it’s when you will have success,” Fleury said.
Hockey wasn’t at the forefront today though.
“Playing hockey is great, but being well rounded and playing all kinds of sports teaches teamwork and it teaches comradery,” said Mike Schulze, owner-operator of Saint John McDonald’s.
There were more than 100 children taking part in the event. When the topic of hockey did come up, Fleury, who didn’t have the starring role in this year’s Cup run, said the feeling was different than in 2008 when he was at the forefront.
“I tried to be a good teammate for the other goalie and for my teammates,” Fleury said. “Cheer them on and encourage them. It’s definitely nice to have my name on there for a second time though,” he said.
Fleury will have his day with the Stanley Cup August 6th in his hometown of Sorel ,Quebec