BOARDMAN, Ohio - While they spend many afternoons at the rink practicing hockey, the Mahoning Valley Phantoms' players spend many mornings at the rink giving back to the community by helping escort local special needs students around the ice.

Ellen Weiss, a teacher from the Fairhaven School, says the experience not only allows the kids to have a little bit of fun away from the classroom, but it also develops skills that are sometimes difficult to learn any other way.

"This is one of the many things we do to give them confidence and give them a social and recreational experience with their peers," explains Weiss. "The players treat them very well and are very friendly. It has always been a wonderful experience and everyone here has been very accommodating. We plan on coming back."

"All fear is left out at the window," says Kelly Caraway, also a teacher at the Fairhaven School. "They put those ice skates on and they are right out there. Any other time, they are usually scared to do things, but here they just love it and look forward to it."

The benefits are two-sided, however, as the players, some as young as 17, are developing by learning how important it is to give back to those who are less fortunate.

"Hopefully it creates some special moments for these young kids that normally wouldn't have the opportunity to skate and be on the ice with aspiring stars," says Phantoms head coach Bob Mainhardt.

"A big part of the (Phantoms) organization is the community. It's very important to us, and it is very important to (the players), for their development, to recognize the community and make sure they are always giving back."

In addition to the Fairhaven School, the Phantoms host groups from Canfield Special Needs, Austintown Middle School, and the Mahoning County Board of MRDD to help enrich the lives of area youth.

For more information about bringing your group into the Ice Zone, contact Rocky Russo at (330) 965-1423. The Mahoning Valley Phantoms are owned by the B.J. Alan Company - Phantom Fireworks, located in Youngstown, Ohio.

BOARDMAN, Ohio - Mahoning Valley Phantoms head coach and general manager Bob Mainhardt will be speaking at the Boardman Glenwood Middle School Career Day.

Mainhardt is one of many professionals that will be on hand to discuss with students the responsibilities and day-to-day life activities in their chosen career path.

"It is always important to give back to the community in which you live," says Mainhardt. "I am honored that this school chose me to help mold young minds. Kids love sports, and hopefully I can open up a career path in coaching and sports management that some of these students might not have even thought of pursuing."

Guest speakers volunteer their time to talk about the training and college degree required, the average salary ranges, advancement opportunities, and the positive and negative aspects of their jobs. The professionals will also have a question and answer period following their presentation.

For more information about Phantoms hockey and Phantom Fireworks youth hockey, contact the Phantoms at (330) 965-7500.

The Phantoms Youth Hockey program is based out of Boardman, Ohio and plays all home games at the Ice Zone, sponsored by the B.J. Alan Company - Phantom Fireworks.