Friday night, Peter Mannino competed in the Skills Challenge of the Frozen Four. He represented DU for the West team.

After the game, a group of young boys lined the ice and called out to Mannino, chanting his name. When the press let him go, he skated over and talked to the boys. This made me so proud, as a DU student, of our school.

Mannino was obviously someone who these young boys looked up to, and rather than just ignore these small fans, he fulfilled his duty as a mentor by talking them.

Mannino was not only a winning player on the ice, but also a gentleman.

Although these fans could do nothing for Mannino, he spent time talking to them and made their night.

I’ve watched the hockey team leave the ice after the first and second period with the bleachers lining the way to the locker room filled with young fans. Brandon Vossberg always holds up his stick as he walks by for the kids to touch. Meanwhile, many of the other players walk by, ignoring the fact that just a smile or high five would make these kids ecstatic.

Just a few moments out of the hockey players’ night would really mean something to these avid fans. Many of the players were probably once these kids, cheering on their home team with spirit and the hope that one day they would be able to skate across the ice as a DU Pioneer.

Hopefully, others will follow in Mannino’s footsteps and talk to these devoted fans.