The Niagara Thunderhawks U7 team got a taste of what it’s like to play in the big leagues on Saturday as they participated in the first U7 Extravaganza hosted by the Burlington Blaze.

As players ran onto the floor amid smoke and lights, an announcer broadcast their names.

The national anthem was then played and the youngsters – many of them barely the height of the rink boards – were joined on the floor by former Toronto Rock lacrosse pro Dan Dawson and Rock mascot Iggy.

“The kids thought they were professionals,” said Tracey Hope, one of the parents from the Niagara-on-the-Lake team.

“The Burlington Blaze organized this as just a fun day for the kids to help keep growing the love of the game,” she added.

Each team played one game and the Thunderhawks scored a 4-3 win over the Pelham Raiders 1 team.

Players of the game for NOTL were Noah Sticca and Nora Thorimbert.