FLUSHING, N.Y. — The LIU men's hockey team has prioritized giving back to its sport. The Sharks have done so in part by volunteering with Ice Hockey in Harlem.

Five LIU student-athletes assisted in skating, stick handling and shooting drills with a diverse group of more than two dozen youth players on Tuesday night. The previous two weeks, groups of LIU hockey players also made their way to World Ice Area in Queens to volunteer.

IHIH is an organization focused on giving inner-city children an opportunity to play hockey — a sport that often comes with a high price tag.

"Hockey is not an easy sport to get into. It's great seeing kids from all backgrounds on the ice," said John Gormley, who grew up in the Bronx. "I remember traveling all the way to New Jersey during my youth hockey days."

"I'm from Long Island, so this is really special for me," said Brandon Perrone, who grew up in Smithtown. "Hockey is for everyone, and it's great to see both boys and girls on the ice. We had a blast being out there."

The Sharks skated for more than two hours and received a warm welcome from IHIH coaches, who could not have been more thankful for the student-athletes who volunteered their time. 

"Having LIU hockey players here speaks volumes to what their program is all about," said Stephen Palonis, who coaches a IHIH youth team. "These players drove about an hour to get to the rink to skate with our boys and girl. That means a lot to everyone."

Gromley and Perrone were also joined by Xan Gurney, Cade Mason and Patriks Marcinkevics on Tuesday night. All five student-athletes skated with a purpose — to give back to the sport they love.

"This is really what it is all about," said Cade Mason, a native of Red Deer, Alberta. "I remember growing up and being around older players. It's a good feeling, and I know these kids had a blast."

The team could not be happier to make an impact on the hockey community.

"We are trying to grow the sport, and being able to assist with IHIH in a great start," LIU defenseman Xan Gurney said. "I'm from the Detroit area, and they are trying to do similar things back home, just like they are doing here."