CenturyLink Hat Trick Reading Program presented by the Idaho Statesman

Boise, ID (12/7/16)— The Idaho Steelheads, joined by libraries throughout the Treasure Valley, will kick off this year’s CenturyLink Hat Trick Reading Program presented by the Idaho Statesman this afternoon, December 7th, with an event for young fans at Boise Public Library’s Hayes Auditorium.

Hayes Auditorium is located at 715 S. Capitol Boulevard in Boise.

Between 4:30 and 5:30pm, children at the library will have the opportunity to meet Steelheads forward Brian Nugent for autographs and pictures, as well as read stories and play games with a professional hockey player. Blue will also be on hand to spend time with young hockey fans.

“We welcome children to come down to Boise Public Library to meet an Idaho Steelheads player, enjoy games, snacks, a story, and sign up for this wonderful program to get free hockey tickets,” said Josie Bradford, Lead Library Assistant for Boise Public Libraries.

The CenturyLink Hat Trick Reading Program presented by the Idaho Statesman rewards young hockey fans for reading at home with their families, offering children tickets and Steelheads gear for each “goal” they score. They keep track of those goals with a special Steelheads bookmark that they receive at the beginning of the program.

The first goal for participants, going to their local library to get a library card and check out a book, will earn them a ticket to a Steelheads game. The second goal, reading with a family member for 20 minutes for seven days, will earn them another Steelheads ticket. To complete the “hat trick”, students can write a 100-word essay about the Steelheads or draw a picture, which will earn them a Steelheads cap.

“We get such a tremendous response from parents and students each year with this program,” said Steelheads President Eric Trapp. “With the help of our partners at CenturyLink and the Idaho Statesman, students are encouraged to improve their reading skills and also spend time with their families.”

“Keeping books in the hands of children, and getting families out to see a hockey game together, is a great way to make reading fun for everyone.”

The CenturyLink Hat Trick Reading Program presented by the Idaho Statesman will conclude with a free public skate for all children who participate, held at CenturyLink Arena on March 12th from 1-3pm.

The following libraries are participating in this year’s program: Boise Public Library- Cole & Ustick, Hillcrest, and Collister; Ada Community Library- Hidden Springs, Lake Hazel, Victory, and Star; Meridian Library District- Cherry Lane and Silverton; Kuna Library, Nampa Library, and Caldwell Public Library.