MARQUETTE, Mich.-- If there's anyone that knows what hockey means to the people of Marquette, Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, it's Dallas Drake.
Drake, a veteran of 15 NHL seasons, played four years at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, which included an undefeated season and a Division I National Championship in 1991. The retired forward was back at Lakeview Arena on Sunday to host youth hockey clinics. The arena was the winner of Kraft Hockeyville USA 2016, received $350,000 in arena upgrades, and will host a preseason game between the Carolina Hurricanes and Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday (7 p.m. ET; NBCSN).
"Hockey gave me everything in my life up to this point and it's important that you give back," Drake said. "The most fun I have is teaching the little guys who are always falling and still have smiles on their faces and aren't very serious at all. Those are the kids who have the most fun. I think it's important as a former NHL player to give back to your communities and help out as much as you can."
Dallas Drake gives back at Kraft Hockeyville USA
Retired NHL forward visits Marquette's Lakeview Arena to host youth hockey clinics
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