Thursday, April 14, 2016
Days after ending one of their most successful seasons in 19 years, the University of Michigan – Dearborn hockey team wanted to spend more time helping others in their community. They chose Beaumont Hospital, Dearborn as their first community service outreach effort. So earlier today, patients had the opportunity to meet the team and talk hockey.Head coach Chris Haltinner said now that the season is over and the players have a lightened practice schedule, it was a great time to start a new tradition.
“Our coaches and captains came together and decided visiting patients at Beaumont Hospital, Dearborn was a great way to reach out and help others and get more involved in the community,” said Haltinner.
Ten players visited with patients, signed photos and gave out game day pucks from this past season.
“We were here today visiting patients and brightening their days. It was a good experience for us and we’d like to visit again,” said UM-D hockey player Michael Payne of Canton.
The team visited the orthopedic and surgical units to talk with patients, many of whom had family members – nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters – who were hockey players too. They also toured the pediatric unit and visited with staff on each floor.
“This really gives our young athletes the opportunity to see what’s out there and how health concerns can impact patients’ lives,” Haltinner said. “They get to visit others and, at the same time, appreciate what it means to be in good health.”
“All in all, it was a great day for our patients, staff and everyone who had the chance to see and visit with the team while they were here,” said Nancy Gorski, director of Volunteer Services, Beaumont Hospital, Dearborn. “We are looking forward to future visits.”