HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Two University of Alabama in Huntsville hockey players took time to visit the Huntsville Hospital on Wednesday, as Craig Pierce and Brice Geoffrion spent the day with children at the local hospital sharing their experiences and also gifting them various Charger memorabilia.

Pierce and Geoffrion brought the children official UAH Chargers gear, giving each kid a different piece for them to cherish and enjoy. The two players also gave each child a wrist band they had made, which included the slogans “Keep Charging On” and “Chargers Crew”.

“We wanted to do something for these kids that showed them they have the support team and the people that are rooting for them through their struggles. The 'Keep Charging On' slogan is to remind them to keep battling, there are going to be some times that are tougher than others, but you just have to try and keep fighting through it,” said Pierce.

The idea came following the unfortunate car accident that UAH hockey player Kyle Lysaght suffered in March. Lysaght is recovering very well and is getting better and better each day that passes.

“He has been very strong with the recovery process and I know he is going to keep battling and reach a full recovery,” said Pierce.

Pierce and Lysaght have been friends since the age 8 and both decided to play their collegiate hockey at UAH.

The “Chargers Crew” band has the goal of making the kids feel like they are a part of something, part of the team. The children are being recognized as part of the UAH hockey team off the ice and are going to be welcomed to multiple home games this season.

Pierce and Geoffrion have plans of making frequent visits with the kids and will start bringing more hockey players each visit to build relationships that will last a lifetime.

“It's always humbling and incredible to see these kids with such high spirits when they are facing such tough times. It really puts in perspective how blessed and fortunate we are and how we should take nothing for granted,” said Geoffrion.