Larkin, Raymond and Seider 'make memories,' surprise Detroit students

DETROIT -- Students at Bunche Preparatory Academy and Chrysler Elementary School received a special Hockeytown surprise on Wednesday afternoon.

After Red Wings practice at BELFOR Training Center, captain Dylan Larkin, forward Lucas Raymond and defenseman Moritz Seider visited both Detroit Public Schools District (DPSCD) locations and played floor hockey with students to help celebrate the launch of "Street Hockey in the D: At School," powered by Chevrolet.
The street hockey program has become the primary component of the Detroit Red Wings' Learn, Play, Score platform.
"What we do on the ice is one thing," Larkin said. "But anytime you get to go out to the community, show a presence and be with the kids - to see their smiles is awesome. This is what it's all about."

After hosting the second annual "Street Hockey in the D: Summer Series" this past summer, the Red Wings are continuing their commitment to build confidence and character by teaching students the basics of hockey, along with learning fundamental life skills, in physical education classes across DPSCD.
"'Street Hockey in the D: At School' gives kids an opportunity to think about hockey as a sport that they love," said Ilitch Sports + Entertainment Director of Community Impact Kevin Brown. "And glean from it all of the skills that come with experiencing the game."
The program began on Jan. 30 at K-8 schools across the city of Detroit, and will ultimately reach more than 34,000 students through their recent physical education curriculum.
"We talk about inspiring kids to dream big," Brown said. "So, when they can see professional athletes one-on-one and have those experiences that allow them to interact with players in a very personalized setting, that's very special."
For Larkin, a Waterford, Mich., native, giving back to his community is significant.
"I was never lucky enough to have Red Wings come to my school," Larkin said. "When our team asked if we could do this, I made sure I was able to do it because I think it's very important for kids to have positive influences and meet us to try to grow the game of hockey."
In both schools' gymnasiums, youth participants participated in hockey skills stations that were led by the Red Wings players and several IS+E community impact colleagues.

"It's special for us to be here, make memories and see all the excitement in the kids' eyes," Seider said. "You bring a ball and a stick, and you make someone's day. It's that easy. "
Tuesday's activities created an atmosphere that was appreciated by not only by the teachers and students, but also the trio of Red Wings players.
"You're in such a bubble when you are playing because it's games all the time," Raymond said. "To be able to come out and do this, and to see all the smiles and the laughs, I think we had as much fun as they had."

Larkin said the impact of programs like Learn, Play, Score reach far beyond the sport.
"Even if it doesn't get kids into hockey, it gets them familiar with the Red Wings and our faces," Larkin said. "[Seeing] Them with a big smile on their face makes my day. I'm sure it makes their day as well."