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Communities First – Literacy Initiative

The BCHL is proud to announce the launch of Score With Reading, another BCHL Communities First initiative presented by divisions of First West Credit Union.

Starting today, BCHL teams will be appearing at their local library branch to team up with students and families to share the joy of reading, talk about their experiences as student-athletes and, if time allows, maybe mix in some ball hockey or mini sticks.

Score With Reading was created by Jason Kuffler who is the divisional manager in charge of community engagement at Vancouver Island Regional Library. The program was held in Nanaimo last year with Clippers players contributing to a successful event at the Nanaimo Harbourfront branch.

“With my background in public libraries and my passion for getting kids excited about reading, partnering with the BCHL was a perfect fit because of the league’s slogan of ‘Smart Hockey’ and its emphasis on developing student-athletes,” said Kuffler, “I believe there is a huge amount of value for young readers to see reading is a part of these players’ lives and how literacy skills have helped them get opportunities in post-secondary education.”

The BCHL has averaged 122 college commitments per year over the last five seasons.

“Each season, all of our teams make multiple appearances at local schools and get to know students and teachers through reading stories and playing floor hockey,” said BCHL communications director Brent Mutis. “Score With Reading extends that to the public library setting and demonstrates the commitment each BCHL team has to its community.”

Confirmed dates so far are:

Alberni Valley Bulldogs Jan. 11 Coquitlam Express Jan. 23
West Kelowna Warriors Jan. 13 Merritt Centennials Jan. 23
Chilliwack Chiefs Jan. 14 Cowichan Capitals Jan. 24 & 27
Vernon Vipers Jan. 16 Nanaimo Clippers Jan. 30
Surrey Eagles TBA