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MATT KASSIAN'S VISIT TO WALTRIP HIGH SCHOOL

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By: Maureen Wade

The Houston Aeros’ Matt Kassian made a special appearance Tuesday, November 10^th, at Waltrip High School. Students from Waltrip High School who fulfilled their behavior goals had the chance to listen to Matt discuss his road to becoming a professional ice hockey player followed by a question and answer session. Different topics of conversation were hockey equipment, temperature of the arena, injuries players face, traveling for road games, and hockey fights.

Many students had questions about fighting during the games and were curious as to how many teeth the Aeros have missing. “Only a few guys on the team are missing some teeth,” Matt said. “I, thankfully, have all of my teeth still intact.”

When a student asked if he has ever been in a fight during a game Matt laughed, “Yes, my last fight was this past Saturday against San Antonio, actually.” The students of Waltrip High School enjoyed hearing about the details of his encounter with Rampage players.

Matt also spoke to the students about life in Canada. Growing up in Edmonton, Alberta, Matt says he began skating at the age of three. He explained to the students the differences in popularity of ice hockey in Canada compared to the United States. “Ice hockey in Canada is like football or baseball here,” Matt said.

Matt later explained to the students his ultimate goal of playing in the NHL and the process players go through when signing a contract. Many students were curious to the process a player goes through while being in the AHL. Matt pointed out to students that he is currently still in college. At age 23, Matt takes a few classes throughout the year to try and finish his degree in Business while being a professional ice hockey player. He hopes to complete his education within the next two years.

After speaking with the students who fulfilled their behavior goals, Matt was able to stop by an on-site nursery and take pictures a few of the children who were awake from their naptime. On the way out of the school, Matt surprised a classroom of special needs students. At the time, students were designing a menu but were very excited to take a break and get their pictures taken with Matt.

Approximately 140 students from Waltrip High School will be attending the Houston Aeros’ 7^th Annual Kids Game on Thursday, December 3^rd at 11:05 a.m. against the San Antonio Rampage. If you are interested in having your school participate in the 7^th Annual Kids Game, please contact the Houston Aeros’ Manager of Community Programs, Laura Bacon, at 713-361-7947 or visit www.aeros.com for more information.

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