Students in Portage schools had a chance to meet some of their heroes and get more than just an autograph over the last several months, as members of the team immersed themselves in the community by working at the schools.
From veterans to rookies, with Terriers took part in various classes across multiple schools in the city.
École Arthur Meighen had Tristan Gravenor and Adam Belzil working in their classes, as Belzil spent most of his time with the younger grades, and Gravenor worked largely with the Grade 8 class.
Kolton Plett, Aiden Nunn, Reid Munro, and Brody Miller took the time to share their thoughts of having the two Terriers around them consistently.
Plett started by saying, "Mr. Gravenor is frequently in our class, and he helps out a lot; helps us understand the language better, speak more French."
Munro adds that Gravenor has also been a contributor in class.
"He's led our discussions too, a few times and does lots of work with us."
Nunn also comments, "He helps me with pronunciation if I don't know the French words."
Miller shares, "He's always willing to join in on our class activities that we're doing during the day."
Across the field at Crescentview School, Decker Mujcin, or as he's fondly known, Mr. M, works with the kindergarten class. Principal Doyle Moar, a former Terrier himself, notes that if it hadn't been for working in the schools during his hockey career, he may not have ended up in education at all himself.
Ibrahim, Ahaana and Janvi all enjoy doing different things with Mr. M, such as racing in the gym, playing with blocks, and playing basketball.
Ibrahim says that despite Mr. M always winning, he still has fun doing it.
Another player who has been active in the schools since his first season here three years ago is Parker Scherr. Known to students in the life-skills program as Mr. Parker, he has become a favourite with all the students.
Students Brendan and Myles both shared how much they love getting to go to school with Scherr.
Brendan shares what he likes about going to school with Mr. Parker.
"We played hockey together, and we go to the gym together."
Myles adds, "Going for walks with him is good. And going to math class with him. And playing the Wii with him. Sometimes we read my new book together."
Fort la Reine and Yellowquill Schools also employed Terriers this season, with Scott Cousins and Will McKay at Fort la Reine, and Jonny Ballos and Rhett Platt representing the team at Yellowquill.