By Andrew Hackmack
But off the ice, they look to keep their minds sharp and for that, one needs strong literacy skills.
The two players dropped by Willow Road School last Tuesday morning to talk to students about the importance of reading and writing. And of course, they had some time to answer questions about hockey, too.
Members of the Islanders team visited a dozen schools on Long Island last week for literacy day, with forward Hilbert and defenseman Meyer coming to the District 13 elementary school. Meyer said that because both possessed strong literacy skills, they were able to go college. He attended Boston University before becoming a professional hockey player and Hilbert went to the University of Michigan.
"Andy and I know how important reading is," Meyer said. "That's why we're here today."
Hilbert reminded the children not to spend all their time watching television or playing video games, but to sit down with a book once in a while. He read a chapter from "The Hockey Machine" by Matt Christopher to the students.
The players signed a copy of a children's hockey book, "From A to Zamboni," for the school's library. Afterwards, Hilbert and Meyer signed pictures for the kids, and also granted numerous requests to sign jerseys and hockey pucks.
Meyer and Hilbert explained that reading is a very important skill for hockey players. They have to be able to read plays written by their coaches, and study reports on opposing teams and players. If they weren't able to do this, "we'd be skating around in circles," Meyer said.
Plus, the players said, reading a book is a good way to pass the time when traveling from city to city. Hilbert said he often will stop at a book store when on a road trip in search of new reading material.
Janine Vulpis, whose son is both a student at Willow Road School and a big Islanders fan, said as season ticketholders they receive a lot of information about Islanders events and learned of Literacy Day. She brought the idea to Principal Stephanie Capozzoli, who along with the reading teachers, filled out an application and wrote about why Willow Road's reading program should be recognized by the Islanders.
"We pinpoint individual needs," Capozzoli said, "and we tailor our program to meet the needs of that child."
Capozzoli said throughout District 13, 100 minutes of every school day is devoted to reading. "We feel that it's important and it's made a difference in our children," she said.
Student Mikey Ciuffo, who came to school in an Islanders jersey that day, was excited to meet a pair of players on his favorite hockey team. "I learned that reading is important," he said. "It can help you to be smarter. It is also good to read because when you get autographs, you can read their names."
Hilbert said he hopes this program encourages children to read more, a skill that will only benefit them throughout their education. He said whether it is a professional athlete, police officer, firefighter or parent, it is always inspiring when children hear an important message from one of their role models.
Comments about this story? AHackmack@ liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 265.
