Hundreds of students from both Clearspring and Stonybrook middle schools gathered together in the CMS gymnasium, yesterday, for a Hometown Hockey pep-rally.

The event included a panel of three local residents whose lives revolve around sports. Manitoba Bisons player Lauren Warkentin, Hanover Sports and Recreation Director Jason Peters, and Athletic Therapist Dave Blatz each took turns sharing stories of how their community involvement has shaped their sports careers.

However, no one would argue that Hometown Hockey’s own performer, "Paz", was the star of the show.

Paz performed numerous juggling tricks while atop a goalie's net.

Paz’s antics included strange dance moves, juggling hockey sticks while standing on top of the net, and, to the student’s delight, even grabbing a few teachers and roping them into part of his act. “I go after everybody,” laughs Paz, “nobody is safe.”

Steinbach marks the 22nd community Hometown Hockey has visited this year and Paz says there was still something special about this specific group of students.

“I jokingly told them they were the best audience we’ve had but its true. They were really respectful, really positive, and really mature.”