Getting to tour 4 Wing Cold Lake, thank members of the military for their service and pass on a message to students about the importance of education are just some of the perks of the being the president and general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, said Brian Burke.
He made the comments during a tour of the Art Smith Aviation Academy on 4 Wing Feb. 15.
"This is my second time to the area, it's an amazing facility. And this is a great chance to visit and thank the men and women in uniform," Burke said.
During his visit to Art Smith, Burke spoke to students about the value of education and a person's character.
"Everyone thinks when we draft a player, we look for the guy with the hardest shot or the fastest skater. When in fact the cornerstone we look for in every player we bring in is character. We look for the people that will get better, that will work to improve, that want to learn. And a crucial part of that is getting your education," he said to a group of attentive students.
The message hit home, as many students were under the impression an education came second to hockey.
Grade 8 student and Maple Leafs fan Cassidy Gale said she was so excited to meet Burke and hear what he had to say, she could barely sleep the night before.
"It was an amazing opportunity," she said, smiling. "I learned so much. I didn't think you needed an education to play hockey, but today I found out you do and how important it is to be a straight A student."
Art Smith principal Ron Young said Burke is an inspiration to himself and the students.
"For him to come here and be able to talk to the kids and inspire them to study and work hard in school, it's just great."
Burke, along with Maple Leafs vice president and director of player
operations Dave Nonis, who was also on the tour of 4 Wing, stuck around the school to answer questions from students and sign some autographs, much to the delight of those in attendance.
