As part of the Read with the Riders program, a couple of players from the Fernie Ghostriders paid a visit to some very excited kindergarten students on Monday.
Ghostriders’ Josh McKissock and Chris Solecki stopped in to Isabella Dicken Elementary to say hi to the kids in Leah Spergel’s class. They read a book, answered questions from the students, and even helped out with some arts and crafts.
Head Coach Barry Wolff explained it’s all about showing kids how important reading is. “It’s a chance for them to meet the players they see out on the ice, ask questions about what it is like to be a high level athlete, what it takes to reach that level, the commitment, and any other questions they may have,” commented Wolff. “Hopefully they get out of it that school is important and something you need in the world today.”
Wolff believes the players get just as much out of the program as the kids do. He remarked, “They learn to be positive role models, which is something they will use the rest of their lives, and to speak in front of a group of people and interact on a different level.”
Players from the Junior B hockey team will be visiting local elementary school classes throughout the Elk Valley over the next few months. Each child involved in Read with the Riders will receive a free ticket to an upcoming Ghostriders home game.
Schools or individual classes interested in participating in the program can contact Barry Wolff at 250-423-4153 or wolffie@wolfstershockey.com.