HAMDEN, CT -- Every year, the National Education Association coordinates the "Read Across America" program to coincide with the birthday of Dr. Seuss, which was yesterday, Sunday, March 2^nd. As part of that program, Spring Glen Elementary school in Hamden, Conn. received a visit from several members of the Quinnipiac men's hockey team to read various books by the popular author.

Captain Jamie Bates and assistant captain Dan Henningson headed the group that also featured Dan Travis, Bryan Leitch, Christopher Meyers, Isak Tranvik, Zach Hansen and Sean Coughlin.

"Incorporating ‘Read Across America' with Dr. Seuss' birthday is a great way to celebrate his work," said Spring Glen's librarian and media specialist Jackie Church. "The kids love it when we have visitors and they were very excited when they heard that Quinnipiac hockey players were coming to read to them."

The players rotated through 14 different classrooms ranging from kindergarten to 6^th grade. While Spring Glen's students were overjoyed to have the Bobcats read their favorite Dr. Seuss stories, they were more interested in the "Q&A" and impromptu autography sessions that followed.

"Keep playing as many sports as you can," Tranvik said. "It's good to stay active and try as many sports as possible and always be sure to have a good time. But, also make sure you do your schoolwork too."

Tranvik would know, as the freshman center boasts a team-high 3.86 grade-point-average and has played in 32 of Quinnipiac's 34 games. 

Several students, including fourth graders Matt Wetmore and Manny Ashe, were fortunate to speak with Bobcats captain Jamie Bates.

"I think it's pretty cool that Quinnipiac's hockey players came to school today," Wetmore said. "Jamie looked like he was having a lot of fun reading to us and signing autographs."

Avid Quinnipiac hockey fan Aidan Smyth, who plays for Hamden Youth Hockey's Pee Wee B team, was quick to note that, "the Yale game was sick!"

"I think it's great that Quinnipiac's student-athletes participate in these programs," Spring Glen principal Vanessa Ditta said. "All of these young men are great around the kids and are always very enthusiastic. They are truly great role models for our students. We're fortunate to have Quinnipiac right in our town. It's a natural partnership."

When QU's hockey contingent was asked for comment, Hansen was quick to jump to the head of the line.

"I absolutely had a great time here today," the freshman defenseman said of the visit. "I actually read two books today and got to speak with the kids. They were totally interactive and you can tell they were having a good time. It's good to give back to the community and it was a lot of fun to get the response that we got today."