Former teachers reflect on Sens as students

As we move into June and the school year winds down, students across the Bay of Quinte Region will surely be starting to feel the itch of summer break, but will also be reflecting on their teachers and the impacts they’ve had on their personal growth this year.

The Belleville Senators are revisiting our first annual Teacher Appreciation Night, held on January 25, 2025. The Senators hosted the Hershey Bears and celebrated the contributions and dedication of local educators. Players also shared some memories of their favourite teachers growing up, and were surprised by responses from those teachers, who provided a little more insight into what they were like off the ice and in the classroom.

Angus Crookshank had highlighted one of his political science professors at the University of New Hampshire, Sue Siggelakis, who said she’s not surprised to see Crookshank on the road to achieving his National Hockey League dreams.

“You’ve always been a hard worker, both inside and outside of the classroom,” Siggelakis said in her video greeting. “It’s such a great feeling to know that one of our students has made a career out of something that’s so difficult to achieve, but we always knew you could do it. One day, I hope to be privileged enough to see you play in person!”

While Siggelakis and Crookshank were together for three years at UNH, Wyatt Bongiovanni spent a shorter time with his chosen impactful instructor. He studied performance fundamentals for a semester during his time at Quinnipiac University, under professor Moira Malone. In her video greeting, Malone said she was honoured to be mentioned by Bongiovanni.

“I remember you and your classmates very fondly, you were a spirited group,” said Malone. “But, I think the most important thing you said that really touched me very deeply was that you found my classroom space as a welcoming space, a space where you could learn, or grow, or just be on any day. I’m so excited that you’re playing hockey. You look great, you sound great, and all the best!”

Defenceman Jorian Donovan bounced around to lots of different schools across Ontario and because of that, had plenty of teachers to choose from, but one stood out. That was his grade eight math teacher, Mr. Frias, who considered himself “the lucky one in this equation” in being able to share some recognition about a former student.

“You were an easy person to teach, you asked all the right questions, and you brought a huge degree of effort, and enthusiasm, and energy every day, you were a delight.” said Frias. “Thank you for counting me among the mentors in your life, but to be clear, I’m the beneficiary. I wish you nothing but the best and my family and I look forward to supporting you as you rise up the ranks!”

With just a few weeks left in the classroom, the Belleville Sens want to remind students to thank their teachers for their dedication, commitment, patience, and enthusiasm, as they leave the classroom for another summer.

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