"This is the end result of a lot of hard work, bringing all of the kids out, but again it is part of that engagement strategy we have," he said. "If we connect with you through the classroom and you live through the program and live through the spirit of the program and ultimately achieve the results we are looking for, these are the wonderful things that occur.
"We can bring you to these events, we can bring you to outdoor games, we can allow you participate in practices, to meet players; all these wonderful things that our game has to offer."
According to Tabatabaie, it is also the perfect time to expose the students to the concepts being stressed. She regularly speaks to older students, but many have already started to identify their dreams and aspirations. At the middle school ages, it is more of a blank canvas.
"Talking to kids at this age is really important because this is when they are building their math foundation and science and technology foundation and as they grow, the jobs of the future and even the jobs now are more and more going to requiring that STEM background," Tabatabaie said. "Not all of them now understand that when they grow up, that can become a career or a passion or other interest."
As important as the learning was, it was even more gratifying to see the students enjoy a special morning during the 2019 Honda NHL All-Star Weekend.
"It's nice to see all these kids here today," said Rob Zepp, manager of special projects for the NHLPA. "I understand there is a school that came all the way from Sacramento, California, which is quite a distance away to partake in this. It's exciting to introduce the great sport of hockey to these children. This is the culmination of all the work, the day-to-day work at the club level. To bring those concepts to life is pretty exciting."