December 19, 2013 - American Hockey League (AHL) Utica Comets The Utica Comets came off of their busiest weekend of the season to date, which consisted of three games in three days, but the Comets hit the ground running in the community.

It all began last Thursday as the Comets were back at the Stuff The Bus campaign at the New Hartford Shopping Center. Alex Biega and John Negrin were present to lend their help and support for the ongoing campaign, where they greeted local kids who came with toys to assist those in need.

"We're here to give gifts to the kids who don't get the chance to get a gift on Christmas morning," Negrin said. "I'm really happy to be here and I hope these kids are happy too."

The Stuff The Bus Campaign collected over 15,000 toys for children in need throughout the Mohawk Valley in 2012 and is looking to exceed that number this year. The Comets have lent their assistance, through a toy drive at The AUD and multiple appearances at toy drives throughout New Hartford.

"I think it's unbelievable to be down here, it's really what Christmas is all about and the spirit of the holidays," Biega said. "Unfortunately a lot of kids wake up without the luxury of finding a gift and I think people are making great donations. It's a wonderful cause in the city of Utica."

On Monday and Tuesday, the Comets were on the ice at night to help youth hockey players with the Robbie Glantz Skating Clinic. Adam Polasek, Henrik Tommernes and John Negrin were out on Monday to help teach local youth players proper power skating techniques. Team President Robert Esche was back on the ice the following night for the second night of the program, along with team broadcaster Brendan Burke as the Comets prepared for their game the following night.

Au Contraire to many of the Comets' appearances in the community, Alex Mallet and Alex Grenier were at the Sauquoit Central School District to help students in their French class. The Comet players, both natives of French speaking areas of the Province of Quebec, had fun as they helped students learn some hockey related French phrases to benefit their education.

"It was such a great experience having the Comets with us at Sauquoit," said Alissa Reilly-Stewart, the French teacher at Sauquoit High School. "We thank them so much."

The Comets were at the Sangertown Mall from late Thursday night to sign autographs and join forces with St. Nick himself to help bring in the holiday season. Darren Archibald, Alex Friesen, Joe Cannata and Kellan Lain were on hand for pictures and signings and the confirmation that Santa Claus has indeed come to town.

Discuss this story on the American Hockey League message board... Digg this story Add to Del.icio.us

Follow this link:

Comets in the Community