Germantown United Methodist campers learn hockey basics

Mississippi RiverKings head coach Derek Landmesser and head athletic trainer Rick Hanlon visited the sports summer camp at Germantown United Methodist July 23 as part of the RiverKings “Sticks are for Kids” program.

“This is a great program that the RiverKings have,” said camp director Patrick Peavy. “Personally I love hockey and this program is a great way to teach the game to the kids who haven’t played before and don’t have knowledge about hockey.”

Landmesser taught kids how to properly hold a hockey stick, how to pass and shoot, how to wear goalie equipment and the basic rules and regulations in hockey. After the demonstration, the kids were split up into groups by age and had a chance to play a game. For many of the kids, it was the first time playing hockey.

“Coach Landmesser is really the face of hockey in the Mid-South,” Peavy said. “The fact that he comes to our camp is amazing. A lot of the kids haven’t played hockey before, so this is a great opportunity to learn about the game.”

Mississippi RiverKings mascot RiverThing also was in attendance to hang out and take pictures with the kids. After the game, kids were given noisemakers, bookmarks and Face Off Field Trip booklets. The RiverKings will host two Face Off Field Trips this upcoming season on Dec. 8 and Jan. 26.