Students in attendance Tuesday for the fifth annual Pittsburgh Penguins Open Practice were treated to a special surprise as team captain Sidney Crosby climbed into the Consol Energy stands and visited with the youngsters.

More than 8,000 students from 63 schools in Allegheny County, Pa., were on hand for the event and some exchanged high-fives with Crosby, while others received autographs. The practice was less than a day after the Penguins defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets, 2-1, at Consol Energy Center on Monday night.

"It was fun. They were loud," Crosby said. "It was cool to hear them all day, they were loud this morning and they were happy to be here. It was fun to have them out here, especially the day after a game like that. A little tired, but they brought a lot of energy in the building this morning. So it was fun to go up and down the stands, meet a few kids, get a few high-fives."

The Penguins provided local students in Grades K through 8 an opportunity to watch the team practice, and learn about the importance of education, teamwork and physical well-being. Each student received an activity book with educational tips and activities, courtesy of the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation.

For more coverage, please go to penguins.com.