Sports stats

Aces Score As Reading Role Models

December 11, 2003 - ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release


Tudor Elementary School will "Skate into Reading" with the Alaska Aces December 17th at 1:30PM. Kimbi Daniels, Chris Lipsett, Dan Murphy and Keith McKambridge will try to maintain their 22-0 record against the Anchorage School District.

During the past six weeks, every player on the Alaska Aces twenty-man roster has spent time at one of several Anchorage area elementary schools. Some have even spent time in the principal's office. Is this a new trend in discipline? Instead of serving their time in the penalty box, are they spending time in detention? No, they are there to read. Even those players for whom English is a second language have tackled this reading role. As Alaska's only professional team, the Aces feel it is their responsibility to be good role models for the youth of Alaska. How do they accomplish that? - by encouraging reluctant readers!

Three years ago the Aces introduced a reading program to the Anchorage School District called "Skate-into-Reading." Last year they received two awards for their program, including the Anchorage School District's School Business Partnership Star award. "We were fortunate to be recognized by our peers," remarked Colby Coward, the Aces Director of Corporate Partnerships, "but the best award comes from the smiles on the students faces during the appearances."

Recognizing the importance of serving as reading role models, the Aces have stepped off the ice and into the classrooms several afternoons each month. Players visit schools in groups of four as part of an effort to encourage children to read. For twenty minutes each player spends time reading to a group of children. Aces defenseman, Ryan Bast, entertained a group of first graders recently. Students listened eagerly as each new character in the book was given a different voice as the story progressed. "Reading to kids is easy. I know how important it is. I have one of my own," said Bast. Many players have begun requesting to go more and more frequently. "It's an opportunity to be part of a new community and it's important to show these kids we care," said Aces forward Shane Palahicky.

After reading to the students, the players participate in a school-wide assembly. Players describe their favorite books and discuss the importance of reading, staying in school, and working together as a team to achieve goals. Free books are given to students who correctly answer reading trivia questions. The highlight of each visit comes when the teachers square off with the Aces for a game of floor hockey. The Aces perfect record of 22-0 has become a challenge for each successive group of players to maintain. Carlos Gomez, Alaska's Director of Player Services, chuckled, "I can't wait to see what happens to the first group that loses. They're never going to live it down!"

The Alaska Aces are off to their best start in six years on the ice. But win or lose, they are earning lots of points with principals, teachers, and students. As long as there are kids that need motivation to read, there will be Aces skating their way into schools to encourage them. The Alaska Aces have shown that scoring in the community can be just as important as on the ice.

Please Contact Erin Myers, at 258-ACES ext. 12, with any questions. The Aces will retire Dean Larson's #18 jersey on December 19th before the game against the Las Vegas Wranglers. For Ticket information call 258-ACES or visit the team's official website at www.alaskaaces.com.



ECHL Stories from December 11, 2003


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Alaska Aces Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central