Qwest "Hat Trick Reading Program" returns

(Boise, ID) ? The Idaho Steelheads are once again teaming with the libraries around the Treasure Valley to help promote reading among our youth. Along with the Boise Public Library, Ada Community Library, Meridian Library District, Garden City Library, Eagle Public Library, and Kuna Library, the Steelheads are offering prizes to children who achieve goals through reading. The Qwest Hat Trick Reading Program gives area children between the ages of 5 ? 13 the opportunity to earn tickets to a Steelheads hockey game, a Steelheads cap, and an opportunity to skate with the Steelheads ? all by visiting local libraries and reading. ?Our goal is to have so many kids complete the hat-trick that we fill the ice,? Steelheads head coach Derek Laxdal said. ?Education is vital. And strong reading skills are the backbone of a good education.? The three goals of the Qwest Hat Trick are as follows: *Visit one of the participating libraries listed above and sign up for a library card *Read with a family member for 20 minutes for seven days. *Visit www.idahosteelheads.com and write a 100-word essay about what the child learned by visiting the website. Children who complete all three goals will have earned two vouchers for tickets to an upcoming Steelheads game, a Steelheads cap, and an invitation to skate with the Steelheads on February 28 at Qwest Arena. The program kicks off Friday, November 20, and continues until Monday, February 22. Each child receives an official Qwest Hat Trick bookmark upon signup so they can keep track of their goals ? and keep track of their place in the books they?re reading. The Steelheads return to the Qwest Arena ice Friday night, November 20, when they host the Victoria Salmon Kings. Tickets are available at the Qwest Arena box office or by calling 208.331.TIXS. Full-season and partial-season ticket plans remain available as well. Contact the Steelheads front office at 208.383.0080 for more information.