Men's Hockey Makes Annual Visit to CHaD With Donated Toys

LEBANON, N.H. – The Dartmouth men's hockey team visited the Children's Hospital at Dartmouth (CHaD) on Monday morning to deliver the toys that were collected during games against American International and Boston University in late November.

Once again, a parade of nearly 30 young men in their Big Green hockey jerseys made their way down the halls of Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center with bags and boxes filled with toys for those at CHaD.

“This is always one of our favorite events to do together as a team every year,” senior and team captain Tyler Sikura said. “It not only gives us a chance to bond as a team away from the rink and the dorm room, but also a chance to give back to the community that embraces us as part of them as soon as we arrive as freshmen.”

Players split into groups and went to different rooms with gifts for kids who are currently undergoing treatment. Some members of the team played games or drew pictures with other young fans in the communal areas of the floor as a way to get them out of their rooms for even a short period of time.

Freshman Tim Shoup was especially proud of himself for winning a game of 'Clue' against a 14-year-old girl as well as Connor Dempsey, Jack Barre and Carl Hesler.

Eric Robinson, Jesse Beamish and Sikura played a game of hallway bowling with the older brother of one of the youngest patients currently being treated, while Grant Opperman and Kyle Nickerson joined Geoff Ferguson and staff members bringing matching stuffed alligators and Snoopy figures to twin girls.

Perhaps the best moment of the day was when the team lined up to high-five a 15-year-old being wheeled to a procedure. She had gone to two games in Dartmouth's recent five-game homestand and the players thanked her for her support and wished her well as she left.

The Big Green would like to thank everyone who donated during the toy drive games. The success of this event each year is a testament to the generosity of the people of the Upper Valley and Big Green fans. Without the support of the local community, the annual CHaD visit would not be possible.