The Brooklyn Aviators Land in Bed-Stuy

Members of New York’s federal hockey league The Brooklyn Aviators paid a visit on Tuesday to the Saratoga Library in Bed-Stuy to offer some advice to the library’s young visitors about pursuing a career in sports and management.

None of the actual players showed up for event, but Team Executives Matthew Kemp and Jun Okada shared a lively discussion with the group about their own responsibilities managing the Brooklyn Aviators.

The kids and their parents were happy, nonetheless, to hear about life in “big league sports” and the importance of discipline and setting goals.

Yesterday’s showing by the Brooklyn Aviators is a part of the Brooklyn Public Library’s New York City Connected Communities Program.

The Saratoga branch signed up to have the team members visit its library and participate in its job readiness program, which prepares young people to begin thinking about their career paths through career development seminars, technology training and assistance with college enrollment.

“I think when I grow up, I want to be a hockey player, just like them,” said Trevor Pollard, 11. “I don’t know how to play, but now I want to learn.”

“I really enjoyed it. Meeting two hockey players is very nice,” said Shanelle Charles, 14. “It taught me that if one day I ever want to do a sport, I’ll have a chance.”

The Aviators autographed copies of their team photo for the kids and their parents and gave away free tickets to take part in activities at Hangar 5, Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn— the Aviators’ practice field and New York’s largest sports and events center.