CenturyLink Hat Trick Reading Program, presented by the Idaho Statesman, begins Wednesday

Boise, ID (12/4/17)— The Idaho Steelheads are once again partnering with libraries throughout the Treasure Valley to launch this year’s CenturyLink Hat Trick Reading Program, presented by the Idaho Statesman. This year’s program will begin on Wednesday, December 6th with an event for young fans at Boise Public Library’s Hayes Auditorium.

Between 4:00 and 5:00pm, children at the library will have the opportunity to meet a Steelheads’ player for autographs, pictures, and some games. Blue, the Steelheads mascot, will also be on hand to meet his fans.

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

“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 voucher redeemable for any Steelheads game. The second goal, reading with a family member for 20 minutes for seven days, will earn them another ticket voucher. 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 hat.

“This has been such a successful program for our local libraries each year. Josie and other library directors in our community do such a wonderful job getting children excited both about reading and Steelheads hockey,” said Steelheads President Eric Trapp. “With the help of our partners at CenturyLink and the Idaho Statesman, we’re not only supporting education but also encouraging families to spend time together both at home and at the hockey rink.”

The program will conclude with a free public skate for all children who participate, held at CenturyLink Arena on March 25th from 1-3pm.

“CenturyLink proudly supports the Hat Trick Reading Program, which aims to enlighten our next generation of leaders through the power of literacy,” said Jim Schmit, General Manager of CenturyLink. “I hope that participants, their families and all Steelheads fans attend our free public skate event, so we can celebrate the program’s accomplishments together”

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.