Zebras Care in Carolina

On March 4th 2010 just prior to our tilt between the Ottawa Senators @ Carolina Hurricanes, Kerry Fraser, Dan Schachte, Greg Devorski and Dean Morton were setting up camp in the locker room waiting for our guests to arrive for this Zebra Cares visit. The expected knock at the door was right on time; our 5 guests for this evening were at the door waiting for an invite to join us in our pre-game routine. Joining us on this evening were Ana Barrios, Omar Perez, Eric and Christopher Robles, along Boys and Girls Club staff member Pepe.

Our guests were a small group from the Boys and Girls club in the Raleigh area who are involved in one of the many programs run by the club. The kids are part of the “Capital City Crew” which is a first-year learn to play program supported by the "NHL Hockey is for everyone Initiative", the NHLPA, the Carolina Hurricanes Kids ‘N Community Foundation, the Wake County B & G Clubs and the Raleigh Youth Hockey Association. It is the 1st such program in the Southeastern United States.

As the kids settled into the room we could sense that they were just a little shy so formal introductions were made and small talk began. We found out that the kids benefited from the many programs the B & G Club offers, from the enjoyment of playing Basketball to Soccer to getting to go on the Hurricanes ice and receiving instruction form Eric Staal during one of their many practices. As a few minutes passed the kids found their comfort zone and the true Q & A session began.

At this point Kerry asked the kids if they had any questions they wanted to ask of us, well to our surprise each one of them reached into their pocket and pulled out a piece of paper all prepared with questions, such as when do we call icing, when do we step in to break up the fights that occur, and what do we say to the players during the game. The kids must have done some research because one question in particular was asked that had our team laughing out loud. “Who has the best Hair in Hockey?” Well once the laughing subsided we allowed Kerry to answer that one as most of our team in the room are not as well maintained as our coworker, it is noted that no trade secrets were shared though.

After some more joking around we all decided to head out to the ice area. All the kids proceeded to put on one of our Game jerseys for a photo op by the Olympia door entrance to the ice. Once that was completed, we headed back to the room where the kids were given Hurricanes Hats, some NHLOA pins, a poster and some signed official hockey cards, but the real treat of Brownies and Cookies as well as Gatorade and hockey gum was well received with great smiles and many thanks. A very appreciative group then left the Locker room but only after agreeing that at the start of the game when all four officials are at center ice that they watch for us to give them a big wave to which they all stood tall and waved back frantically. The four of us then turn to each other with a smile and proceeded with our dedication to Stephane Provost and John D’Amico. It was game on.

The NHLOA and Zebras Care would like to express our gratitude to the Carolina Hurricanes Hockey Club, Kristina Boyce and Austin Caldwell for organizing this wonderful night. It was an honor for us to have met such courteous, respectful kids, a testament to the strength of the Boys & Girls Club Program.

The Boys & Girls Clubs mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

The Boys & Girls Clubs provides:

- A safe place to learn and grow;

- Ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals;

- Life-enhancing programs and character development experiences

- Hope and opportunity.

Without this program, the kids coming tonight probably would have never gotten the chance to play or learn hockey. They were able to experience on-ice sessions and off-ice life skills sessions. As mentioned Eric Staal came to one of their on-ice sessions to play with the kids.