The Sudbury Nickel Capital Wolves sure know how to make a first impression.
Walter Zadow Public School in Arnprior has adopted the team while they compete for the 2008 TELUS Cup.
The Nickel Capital Wolves came to the school on Monday morning to talk to students about the team, Greater Sudbury and life in general.
About 200 elementary students packed the school's gymnasium to meet the team and ask players questions.
It didn't take long for the event to turn into a circus, as the kids became intrigued about Sudbury's most famous landmark, the Big Nickel.
After team manager Albert Corradini revealed the awesome specs of the actual Big Nickel monument, the kids couldn't help but ask question after question about the object.
It got to the point were teachers and the principal had to ask the students to sop asking questions about the Big Nickel.
It was all in good fun.
"I'm really impressed with this team from Sudbury," principal Ross McEwen said. "They have strong leadership and it shows. They presented themselves well. The city of Greater Sudbury should be very proud of this team…and I'm sure the people are."
One lucky student, Sean Illman-White, got the chance to be the host student and welcome the Nickel Capital Wolves to the school.
He met the team in a Sudbury jersey and there was nothing that was going to wipe the smile off his face.
"This was really cool," Illman-White said. "When I found out our school was going to be the host school for the Sudbury team, I went on-line and got updates on the team. It's just so great to finally meet them."
Walter Zadow students will be attending Sudbury games and cheering them on.
Corradini even led the student population in a spine-tingling cheer of "Go Wolves Go" which had the gymnasium rocking.
"It will be fun cheering them on," Illman-White said.
The school appreciated the visit.
"It was a great experience for our students," McEwen said. "They learned a lot about Sudbury from this team. The kids were really fascinated with the Big Nickel."
The Nickel Capital Wolves also gained plenty from the experience of meeting the young fans.
"It was a great opportunity for our team to give back to the community of Arnprior," head coach Peter Michelutti said.
"It's great to know we will have some extra people cheering us on. It should give us some extra motivation. We're looking to have a good week and it started off on the right foot with this visit."
