Excitement, joy and noise filled the Canadian Tire Center as Eastern Ontario students attended a special Ottawa 67’s game.

The Ontario Hockey League club hosted students from across the Ottawa area to take part in their annual School Day game on Wednesday morning. The Kingston Frontenacs beat the 67’s 3-2.

It is an annual tradition for the team to host school children, many attending their first hockey game or visiting CTC.

Nearly 15,000 students from 63 schools participated, mostly comprising grades 6 through 8.

“It’s a fun day,” said 67’s president Adrian Sciarra. “For the kids, obviously, they like it. For us, we can expose the game to more fans. So it’s just a really fun day. I think it’s a fun day for the kids and the team.”

An arena full of so many young fans also brings the team into the spirit,

“It is tough. I mean, it’s good energy. I mean, we really like it,” 67er Brady Stonehouse said. “It was nice to see all the kids come out and watch us.”

For seventh-grader Morgan, the best part of attending her first hockey game is “being with my friends.”

“Such a good day for them. They get to get out of the classroom and enjoy a little community,” said Corey Griecken, St. Michael’s Grades 7/8.

“It’s really fun, I’m here with my best friend,” said seventh grader Max.

7th grader Gillian painted ’67’ on her face, “It’s really funny. Fun just to encourage them.”

Some students even had the chance to meet the 67’s mascot, Riley Racoon.

The 67’s will return to the TD Arena on Friday at 7pm to take on the Oshawa Generals.