THUNDER BAY -- Mitchell Muncaster is a lifelong fan of Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Thanks to a donation of hockey equipment through the generosity of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, the 16-year-old student at Westgate Collegiate and Vocational will get the chance to emulate his hero.
The teenager was one of 90 special needs students at five Thunder Bay high schools to receive a helmet, stick, gloves and other floor hockey gear and he can’t wait to try it out.
“I want to play hockey with it,” he said.
“I am really excited for hockey.”
Teacher David Workman said the equipment arrived just in time.
“Our students are once again the thankful beneficiaries of the hard work and dedication by the participating members of the Law Enforcements Torch Run,” Workman said. “The equipment will be put to good use in the school championship regional floor hockey qualifier on April 13 and will reimaging at the school to be used for many years to come.”
Keith Nutley, a conservation officer with the Ministry of Natural Resources, said the sticks were contributed by Special Olympics Ontario, a true collaborative effort that was all about ensuring the youngsters have fun.
“It’s nice to get to see where the money we’re actually raising, from the Polar Bear Plunge, for example, actually goes. It’s goes toward events like this where kids like this get to participate and can qualify for provincials in Toronto to compete against other kids down there,” Nutley said.
Seeing it all come together is the best part, he added.
“It actually gives me goose bumps just talking about it. That’s why all these officers do it, just to see the smiles on the kids’ faces.”