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Tuesday, January 25, 2000 Page: 8
Penguins players slide into Pope John Paul II SchoolMatthew G. Solovey
Talking about teamwork, hockey and the arena, members of the
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins visited an enthusiastic Pope John Paul II
student body on Thursday. Team members Greg Crozier and Martin Sonnenberg,
along with Tom Grace, the Penguins broadcaster visted for an hour with the
students. The Penguins official mascot, Tux, was also on hand, to entertain
with his crazy antics. Crozier emphasized the importance of hard work to the
students. You have dreams and aspirations, Crozier said. What makes your
dreams come true is hard work. Listen to your teachers, do your homework and
youll get good grades. Keep working hard and you guys can do whatever you want
in life. Sonnenberg talked to the students about teamwork. In life, teamwork
is a very important thing, Sonnenberg said. You need to use teamwork to get
ahead. When playing sports, you have to be a fair player. You have to give
everyone a chance to develop. Students were given the opportunity to ask
questions. One question asked about how players keep their team spirit,
especially after a loss. We must continue to be positive and work hard,
Sonnenberg said. You cant beat hard work. You just have to put a loss behind
you and keep fresh, Crozier added. Another question addressed how it impacts
the team when a player is called to play on the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins. You
start to gel as a team and somebody gets pulled out of the system, Sonnenberg
explained. Weve all learned to live with it. You get used to it. The new arena
was also the subject of a question. Both players were impressed with the new
building. I have played at new arenas before. As far as Im concerned its the
best in the league, said Sonnenberg. Its a dream for us to be here and be role
models, added Crozier. Monsignor Tolochko gave a blessing and thanked the
players for visiting the school. Each student received a game program and
schedule. -Matthew G. Solovey JIM GAVENUS 1: Pope John Paul II School
Principal James Jones took a few moments to pose with Penguins players Greg
Crozier and Martin Sonnenberg, Tux, and the voice of the Penguins, Tom Grace.
2: Tom Grace, Greg Crozier and Martin Sonnenberg answered several questions
from the students. Tux provided lots of laughter. 3: Martin Sonnenberg signed
a few autographs after the assembly at Pope John Paul II School. 4: Alyssa
Jaskui and her classmate laugh at Tux and his crazy antics. 5: Students
decorated the school with several signs and balloons to welcome the Penguins
players. 6: Martin Sonnenberg gives Tux a high five as he takes the stage.