Students at Charles E. Walters Elementary received a special visit this week when former New York Islanders star Benoît Hogue stopped by to support the Islanders Floorball program, bringing plenty of excitement and hockey spirit with him.
The visit was part of the Islanders’ ongoing effort to introduce students to the game of hockey through floorball, a fast-paced sport that emphasizes teamwork, movement, and skill development. The program provides schools with brand-new equipment and creates opportunities for students to stay active while learning the fundamentals of the game in a fun and inclusive environment.
Hogue spent time interacting with students throughout the day, joining them in floorball activities, answering questions, and sharing stories from his professional hockey career. Students were thrilled to have the chance to play alongside a former NHL standout and eagerly lined up for autographs and photos.
The event created a memorable experience for young hockey fans and introduced many students to the sport in an exciting and hands-on way. Teachers and staff also enjoyed seeing students engage with one of the game's former stars while learning valuable lessons about teamwork and sportsmanship.
Hogue remains one of the most recognizable players from the Islanders teams of the 1990s. His years on Long Island were the most productive stretch of his NHL career. During his time with the Islanders, he scored 105 goals over three-plus seasons and became a fan favorite thanks to his speed, skill, and scoring ability before eventually moving on to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
For the students at Charles E. Walters Elementary, however, the day was about much more than statistics. It was an opportunity to meet a professional athlete, learn about the game of hockey, and experience firsthand the positive impact sports can have on building confidence, friendships, and teamwork.
The Islanders Floorball program continues to make a difference in local schools, and Hogue’s visit helped create memories that students are sure to remember for years to come.