Saint Joseph Academy welcomed Lake Erie Monsters Center Philippe Dupuis and Left Wing Patrick Bordeleau to spend some time with students in French class. Philippe and Patrick shared their knowledge of the French language, spoke to the students about hockey and Montreal and answered their many questions. 

 

 Philippe and Patrick are both from the city of Montreal, Canada and play for the American Hockey League team in Cleveland, the Lake Erie Monsters. "In the AHL we only speak English at practice and in the locker room, and all of our interviews are in English. This gives us a chance to speak French and keep in practice for the off season in Montreal with our family and friends,” said Philippe. Patrick responded, "We speak Canadian French which combines some English words with French, unlike the more traditional French the girls are learning at the Academy.”

 

"The students were delighted to have a chance to meet and talk with the young men. They enjoyed learning about the different dialects of the French language and even learn about hockey in the process,” remarked French teacher Barb Caravona.