Hampden Academy Hockey Players Swap Sticks for Storybooks | News [Video]

HAMPDEN— Members of the Hampden Academy boys hockey team traded their sticks for storybooks Friday morning, spending time reading to students at George B. Weatherbee School.

The players read It’s Hockey Time, Franklin!—a book by Charles M. Schulz featuring Charlie Brown and the gang lacing up their skates to challenge a rival team for the rights to a frozen pond.

Senior Zachary Wilson said the event was an opportunity to inspire the younger students and build connections within the community.

“Hearing all the comments like, ‘I play hockey,’ or, ‘I want to play because my cousin plays,’—it’s just so cool to see the connection,” Wilson said. “Especially in this community, where so many kids are learning about hockey.”

For the students, the highlight of the day wasn’t just the story, but meeting the high school players themselves.

“I liked it, and I wanted to know if there was a sequel,” Weatherbee students Ford Peppard said. “Seriously, …