The Stockton Thunder turned its boring, white sheet of ice into a colorful masterpiece Sunday.
The New York Islanders’ ECHL affiliate hosted “Kids Take Over Stockton Arena Night,” with children shadowing various team and arena jobs to learn about the work needed to put on a hockey game. After the behind-the-scenes action, the kids were rewarded with an activity that will be at the forefront of the team’s next home game Friday.
Alongside some members of the Thunder, kids and parents were invited to the ice to paint on the actual surface. More than 800 people participated in the painting, and with the exception of advertisements and the team’s logo at center ice, they made sure they didn’t leave any of the ice uncovered.
Stockton will become the first team to play on ice covered in fan artwork when they take on the San Francisco Bulls, but given how difficult it might be for players to see the puck, the Thunder also might become the last.
Check out Stockton’s vibrant playing surface in the photo below.
Photo via Twitter/@JeffDLowe
