Newark Board of Education student-athletes, Steven Ruas (Science Park) & Pablo Garcia (East Side), took part of the National Hockey League’s Willie O’Ree Skills Weekend in Philadelphia on 2/22 – 2/24. Each were chosen for their abilities on and off the ice, serving as leaders for the Hockey in New Jersey program, and East Side Hockey team in Newark.
Participants from NHL Hockey is for Everyone programs across North America converged on Philadelphia to take part in on-ice skills competitions, games, and off-ice educational activities. The weekend is named after Hockey Hall of Famer, and NHL Hockey is for Everyone ambassador, Willie O’Ree, the first black player to play in the National Hockey League.
Highlights included being able to meet the legend, Willie O’Ree, and interact with the Stanley Cup.
On Saturday evening the Newark duo were 2 of 70,000 spectators to take in the NHL Stadium Series outdoor game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers, played at the home of the Philadelphia Eagles, Lincoln Financial Field.