Leafs' trio heads back to school

Nobody likes Mondays, but for 900 kids at Dixon Grove Junior Middle School this one was something to look forward to.

Carlton helps the students welcome Leaf captain, Mats Sundin. mapleleafs.com

Leaf stars Mats Sundin, Wade Belak and Trevor Kidd took time out of their hectic schedules to drop in on the students and spend some time answering questions, handing out prizes and most of all giving those 900 students the thrill of seeing their hockey heroes up close and personal.

The visit was a part of the TD Waterhouse Leafs@school program launched by the Toronto Maple Leafs to aid Ontario teachers with a curriculum-based program for students in grades four to six. The program walks students through a typical day with Leaf captain Mats Sundin and incorporates lessons, quizzes and activities that are based directly on the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum requirements.

The event was emceed by Leafs' broadcaster Paul Hendrick and began with the introductions of Sundin, Belak and Kidd followed by perhaps the most popular member of the Blue and White with this bunch, Carlton the Bear.

Paul Hendrick helps a student pose his question to the three Leafs. mapleleafs.com

After the introductions, students came up to the stage and asked the trio questions about their favourite television shows, their favourite subjects in school amongst other things.

Soon after, the three Maple Leafs had to be on their way, but left some friends behind to test the kids Blue and White knowledge and distribute tons of autographed paraphernalia much to the delight of the screaming fans.

For more information on the Leafs@school program visit www.leafsatschool.com.