Thunderbirds give back; Teach minor hockey players
Submitted By Marc Capancioni on Monday, February 13, 2012
When he was a child, Corey Jackson would attend public skates to hang out with junior hockey players – people he looked up to, both literally and figuratively – who taught him a thing or two about the game.
Today, the 19-year-old finds himself on the other side of the spectrum. Jackson, a veteran defenceman for the Soo Thunderbirds, of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League, can routinely be found on the ice at minor hockey practices. Often, it’s for his brother, Mathew’s, team, while other times it’s for other clubs.
Recently, for instance, he and teammate Fraser Turner, a
sixth-round Ontario Hockey League draft pick of the Soo Greyhounds in 2011, took
in a skate on the outdoor rink. The backyard pad belonged to a novice-aged
player, whose entire team was out for a game of shinny.
While there, the Thunderbird players skated with the
youngsters and taught them a few tricks of the trade.
“We
had a blast,” said Jackson, a sizeable defenceman who has built a reputation in
the NOJHL as a solid two-way player. “It’s always fun teaching the kids and
giving back.”
These comments were echoed by Turner, a 16-year-old who
has played in a pair of OHL Greyhound games so far this season. “I’m not sure
who had more fun – us or the kids,” said the native of Pontypool, Ont. “It’s
important to give back to the community. It shows you care and that you’re
willing to help out.”
Meanwhile, giving back is a key component of the
Thunderbirds, and it’s something the entire organization both preaches and
practices.
“We take hockey seriously, but it’s just a small part of
the overall goal of our club,” said president Albert Giommi. “Our primary
objective is producing people we can be proud to call our own, both during and
after their stay with our organization.”
Whether it’s skating and teaching younger players,
volunteering at the local soup kitchen, or helping out in the community in any
number of other ways, the Thunderbirds are grateful for the support they receive
from the citizens of Sault Ste. Marie and more than happy to give back wherever
and whenever they can, added Giommi.
Additional information on the club, including updated
news and player bios, is available at www.tbirdhockey.ca.
