Local students brought plenty of energy to the Open Practice for Kids

Monday morning's practice had a little bit different atmosphere, with the cheers reaching a higher octave than what the Pens are used to. The team took the ice at PPG Paints Arena in front of an exuberant crowd of 6,000 excited kids in grades 1-5 for the 11th annual "Open Practice for Kids presented by Highmark."

Local students from 51 schools in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Washington and Westmoreland had the chance to watch an actual Pens practice up close and also learn about the importance of education, teamwork and physical well-being. Each student received an activity book courtesy of the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation with educational activities and tips.
"I think our players get really excited to play in front of the kids," Pens coach Mike Sullivan said. "They bring a lot of energy to the rink and that's a big part of having success in our game."
For the teachers, the practice provided a fun topic to incorporate into their teachings for the week. Cristina Hutton, who teaches second grade at Marshall Elementary in the North Allegheny School District, was thrilled to integrate the players into her lesson plans as this week is National Coding Week.
"I'm going to be incorporating what we're doing here with the booklet and some coding," Hutton said. "I'll have it ready so all of the different Pens players can be moved. The students will have to create a code to send their player from point A to point B, for example."
Hutton is also a half-season ticket holder. Her students were seated in section 101, directly across from her personal seats in season 113. Before practice, Hutton went over and took a picture of her students from her seats.
"They're so excited," Hutton said. "When I found out about it, I knew I had to get my class signed up."
Third grader Jake Bishop was sporting a blue Evgeni Malkin jersey while watching practice. He doesn't play hockey, but said his favorite subject is mathematics. Bishop enjoyed learning about the heart rate monitors that players wear during practice.
"I wish I could play with them [the heart rate monitors]," Bishop said. "I think it would be fun to test them."
Penguins Radio Network broadcasters Josh Getzoff and Phil Bourque emceed the event and started off by teaching kids about the integration of STEM curriculum that is used daily with the team.
Director of sports science Andy O'Brien joined the duo to discuss the mathematics and science he utilizes daily to help monitor how players train and fuel their bodies.
In-arena host Celina Pompeani then quizzed kids on the geometry of an ice skate. One lucky student answered correctly that the hollow part of a blade is concave and received a signed photograph of Pens defenseman Kris Letang.
As the Pens took the ice, the video board prompted individual grades to make some noise and to welcome each player.
A group of fifth graders from the Shaler Area Elementary sat in section 110, debating who the best Pens player was. Dylan Marsden sported a Phil Kessel jersey, while Andrew Pandrewopila was proudly wearing No. 87. Marsden and Pandrewopila both play hockey. Fittingly, Marsden plays on the wing and Pandrewopila is a center. The pals were thrilled to see their favorite players up close and watch how they practiced.
"It's a million times better to see them this close," Marsden said.
"Yeah, you can see how they play and how they move on the ice so much better," Pandrewopila added.
The duo helped explain the sport to their friends Troy Johnson and Maylee Lazzarr.
"I've never seen the Pens play," Lazzarr said. "But it looks pretty cool."
The practice concluded with a shootout. Each time a player missed their shot, a collective, "Aww!" was emitted from the crowd. Every time a goal was scored the goal horn would sound and a high-pitched cheer was screamed.
Pens goalie Casey DeSmith has faced his fair share of breakaway chances as of late. The animated crowd boosted his confidence as he tried to deny his teammates from scoring.
"It was awesome ending with a fun shootout," DeSmith said with a grin. "Obviously a different atmosphere than usual. It adds a little bit of fun to the practice with the kids yelling and screaming the whole time. It gives you a little bit of life. A little bit more energy."
Not only is the practice something the kids look forward to, but the turnout puts into perspective how supportive the Pens community is to the players and coaching staff.
"Our fan base is so supportive of this team and we are really appreciative," Sullivan said. "In particular, the kids are the next generation. We're glad they are here. We hope they enjoyed practice. I know our players are very appreciative."