A sold-out MassMutual Center hosted the Springfield Thunderbirds in their annual "School Day" game.
Nearly six thousand students, teachers, parents, and others got to the American Hockey League club down the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, 4-to-2.
Officials say the day game is designed to get kids interested in not only hockey but to the possibilities of a future in the sports industry.
Among the dignitaries. Springfield School Superintendent Dan Warwick dropped the ceremonial opening puck.
(Photo Credit: Lucas Armstrong Springfield Thunderbirds Media)