"It's really very rewarding to think that there were 8,500 kids here today, mostly CPS students," said Mayers, a former Blackhawks Stanley Cup champion. "If the Blackhawks can be that conduit to get kids interested in science, technology, math and science as it relates to hockey, it's extremely rewarding. And they had fun. They learned a lot today, I hope. And I did, too. A couple of those questions were not easy. But it's a testament now that for the second year in a row that we will be able to grow this year after year."
Some of the students had not been introduced to the game of hockey previously.
"Let's be honest, the demographics today was mostly African-American and Hispanic kids. And introducing a different segment to the sport...using education as that platform to engage them is critical," Mayers said. "If the game wants to grow, it is going to have to be more inclusive, and this is certainly a step. I think the Blackhawks are in the forefront of leading that charge. And they do a number of things within the community to help push that narrative forward. And they are intentionally targeting and making sure that they are out there engaging in the schools and people who live around the United Center. I am proud to be a part of that."