The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's hockey team hosted the Ryerson Rams on November 23 at the Varsity Arena, but the raucous crowds on the stands were decidedly different than usual. With the exception of a few caring adults keeping a keen eye on them, they were all in grades three, four and five of elementary school.
The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's hockey team hosted the Ryerson Rams on November 23 at the Varsity Arena, but the raucous crowds on the stands were decidedly different than usual. With the exception of a few caring adults keeping a keen eye on them, they were all in grades three, four and five of elementary school. Over 3,500 of them, to be precise, visiting the University of Toronto for the annual Downtown Showdown Hockey School Day.
The free event draws in junior students from local TDSB elementary schools for a day of hockey, learning and fun. In addition to watching the game, the young visitors had a chance to take part in pre-game science demonstrations with Pueblo Science from U of T's Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering, who put on a special show during the second intermission. U of T and Ryerson mascots, True Blue beaver and Eggy the Ram, as well as Toronto Marlies’ Duke the Dog were also on hand for in-game entertainment.
“The kids love coming to this,” said Lisa Halen, an art teacher and librarian at Parkside Elementary School. “It’s a great option for them to watch some hockey, because hockey in our city is so expensive. It’s something to aspire to, it’s wonderful. We tie it in with our activities at school and make it educational, as well.”
Ivan Canete of the Varsity Blues events and marketing team says a lot of the kids have never been on a university campus before.
“So, this is a wonderful opportunity for them to see what it’s like to be at a university,” he said. “They get to see university athletes at play and that’s s a great way for them to imagine themselves as students and athletes later on at university.”
Fifth grader Alexis thought the hockey game was okay, but she was really impressed with the tattoos and snack bar. She and her friends Vanessa, Hanna and McKenzie had their faces covered in tattoos and hands full of snacks and cheering gear, as they made their way to their seats.
“I love it, it’s awesome,” said McKenzie, who plays hockey. “The crowd makes you so joyful.”
This was the third time their school has participated in the event.
Following Wednesday's showdown with the Rams, the Blues will host the York Lions on Friday night at 7 p.m. The game will serve as U of T's annual Holiday Toy Toss event, with all donations benefitting the University of Toronto Students' Union food bank, supporting all students and families in need on the St. George Campus.