Islanders Spread Holiday Cheer At Cohen Children's Medical Center

When it comes to spreading cheer and lighting up children’s faces, the have that down pat.

Islander’s players Mark Streit, John Tavares, Matt Moulson, Rick DiPietro and Dylan Reese visited Steven and Alexandra on Wednesday afternoon to meet with young patients and give them presents.

“Out of all the appearances we do all year, this is probably the most special;there’s nothing like it,” Tavares said. “To put a smile on these kid’s faces — what they’re going through is obviously not very easy — and it’s just nice to make a smile and give them a gift.”

The five players met several kids in the third floor Adolescent Playroom and shared gifts, conversations and autographs with the children.

“I texted my dad they they’re coming so ha-ha!” said hockey fan Andrea Keuchler, whose dad will be jealous. She said she doesn’t have a favorite player, but thought it was really cool that the Islanders came to visit.

Another kid who especially enjoyed the visit was Jake Brunette, who was celebrating his fifth birthday.

“Everyone is spoiling my kid!” said mom Dora with a smile, who didn’t want her son to have to spend his birthday in the hospital, but was overwhelmed with how special he was treated.

Brunette received a SpyGuy kit and said he could use it to spy on the Islanders.

“It’s something special to come here and you put a smile on people’s faces and it’s good to talk and learn a little about those who are a little less fortunate than us and give back to the community,” said Reese.

After visiting the Adolescent Playroom the Islanders scrbbed up and did bed-to-bed visits with some other kids for an hour and a half before heading home.

“I enjoy this because it’s nice to meet people, especially younger kids and put a smile on their faces, Reese said.