Several students at Madiba Prep Middle School in Brooklyn got to pick up a hockey stick for the first time thanks to a new partnership between the New York Rangers and the city's Department of Education.

Forty students were given their own hockey sticks as part of the Junior Rangers Ball Hockey Program. The initiative with the Rangers is designed to teach kids the basics and fundamentals of hockey.

The instructors not only played along but taught them as well. There was even a special guest appearance by retired Ranger Cristoval "Boo" Nieves. He let the kids in on what he picked up with his time on the Rangers.

The program is looking to expand to 26 other schools across New York City.