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Heat, Ha! RiverKings Coach Visits Local Daycare With "Cool" Program

August 19, 2010

Story and photos by Andrew Mullins-Williams

Mississippi RiverKings head coach and director of Hockey Operations Kevin "Killer" Kaminski visited with the Christian Kids KinderCare in Germantown on Thursday, July 22. 

Kaminski was taking part in another "Sticks Are For Kids" program the RiverKings provide with area youngsters. 

SOUTHAVEN--The Mississippi RiverKings recently visited Christian Kids KinderCare learning center in Germantown as part of the team's "Sticks Are For Kids!" program.

The children whispered and giggled excitedly when the RiverKings van pulled into the parking lot and began to unload floor hockey equipment and gear.

Using two volunteers, RiverKings head coach Kevin "Killer" Kaminski demonstrated and emphasized why each piece of equipment is important.

"Players can skate up to 25 miles an hour, and the puck can fly as fast as 100 miles an hour, so it's very important to always use the proper equipment and to listen to instructions from your coaches and teachers," Kaminski said.

After giving the students a quick overview of his hockey career and a brief introduction to the game, Kaminski and teachers placed the children on teams for five-minute scrimmage games.

Despite the hotter-than-normal temperatures, the children eagerly took advantage of the chance to play two games each before getting a group picture with the coach.

The "Sticks Are For Kids!" program is designed to introduce children to new and unique sporting opportunities, while encouraging them to implement safe sporting measures, teamwork, and sportsmanship both at play and in life.

Kaminski was selected in the third round of the 1987 NHL draft by the Minnesota North Stars. After spending time with the Quebec Nordiques and a few AHL affiliates, Kaminski finished his NHL career by playing four years with the Washington Capitals.

The 2008-09 season was the first for Kaminski and the RiverKings, where he led Mississippi to a 44-17-3 record that season. He was named CHL Coach of the Year for his efforts and currently holds second place all-time in the RiverKings history books with a winning percentage of .641 (77-41-10).

For more information on the "Sticks Are For Kids Program" or to purchase tickets to an upcoming game please contact the Mississippi RiverKings at 662.342.1755 or on-line at www.riverkings.com.

RiverKings head coach Kevin "Killer" Kaminski pauses for a photo with children at Christian Kids KinderCare in Germantown on Thursday, July 22, after he led them in a demonstration of safe sporting equipment and in several scrimmage games of floor hockey.

RiverKings head coach Kevin "Killer" Kaminski instructs Christian Kids KinderCare students in the basics of floor hockey during a scrimmage game at the daycare center in Germantown on Thursday, July 22, as part of the RiverKings' "Sticks Are For Kids!" program.

RiverKings head coach Kevin "Killer" Kaminski instructs a Christian Kids KinderCare student on goalie basics before a scrimmage game at the daycare center in Germantown on Thursday, July 22, as part of the RiverKings' "Sticks Are For Kids!" program.

RiverKings head coach Kevin "Killer" Kaminski instructs Christian Kids KinderCare students in the basics of floor hockey during a scrimmage game at the daycare center in Germantown on Thursday, July 22, as part of the RiverKings' "Sticks Are For Kids!" program.

RiverKings head coach Kevin "Killer" Kaminski instructs a Christian Kids KinderCare student on goalie basics before a scrimmage game at the daycare center in Germantown on Thursday, July 22, as part of the RiverKings' "Sticks Are For Kids!" program.

RiverKings head coach Kevin "Killer" Kaminski drops the puck in a face-off between Christian Kids KinderCare students during a floor hockey scrimmage game at the daycare center in Germantown on Thursday, July 22, as part of the RiverKings' "Sticks Are For Kids!" program.