GARMISCH, Germany - The Krafft von Dellmensingen gymnasium on Artillery Kaserne bustled with activity as Garmisch-Partenkirchen's local hockey team, SC Riessersee, gave round-robin hockey lessons for students attending the U.S. Army Garrison Garmisch Elementary-Middle School.
Hockey Day, which the team tags for visits here, has been an annual occurrence for 10 years, according to Erica Hansen, GEMS second grade teacher.
"Today the athletes are here to teach hockey," said Hansen. "(But they) also read to the younger kids, usually kindergarten to fourth grade. They do it twice a year - and sometimes around Dr. Seuss' birthday for the Read Across America program."
However, she added, for many of older students, getting to play against the players is the real treat.
"They sign autographs for the older kids who are too cool to be read to," said Hansen, smiling.
The professional hockey players, clad in their colorful blue and white team uniforms, provided hands-on instruction in defending and attacking goals, passing the puck, and good sportsmanship. The students split up into teams and at the sound of a teacher's whistle rotated between stations, and then afterwards played a little street hockey with the pros.
The ice players who visit the garrison are always from North American, usually from Canada and the States.
But "If there aren't many North Americans on the team that year, fellow teacher Bill Morgan finds German players who speak some English," said Hansen. "Shelley Mitchell, our physical education teacher, helps out as well."
Morgan is the organizer of the event and his own children play on a German hockey team.
As for the players, it's chance to repay their youngest fans; SC Riessersee donates free children tickets for Friday night games at Garmisch's Olympic Ice Rink.
"Great shot!" praised Canadian Troy Bigam, who taught 3-on-1 goaltending and defense skills, deflecting multiple incoming pucks from the enthusiastic participants.
Laura Clement, a GEMS fifth grader, was one of the few who got one past jersey #57.
"I don't think it's the best goal ever but I'm pretty happy about it," said the 10-year- old.
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