Raiders players swap hockey sticks for storybooks at Prince Albert library

At a Prince Albert public library branch, the usual quiet is replaced with the sound of children laughing and lining up for autographs as Prince Albert Raiders players settle in for an evening of reading.

The visit is part of Reading with the Raiders, a long-running literacy program that has players from the Western Hockey League team spend time reading with kids.

Families are invited to drop in, take a seat and follow along as the players read books to children. It’s a different kind of exposure for young fans who usually watch from the stands.

For parent Riley Penner, it’s become a regular outing.

“The boys have been in the reading program here for years,” he said.

“Any time the boys get to spend time with the Raiders is awesome. Some kids won't get the chance to play hockey, so having something like this at the library is super beneficial.”

Raiders forward Ben Harvey said the library visits are a chance to show kids that the team’s support goes beyond game nights.

“Kids look up to us and people in our position,” he said. “Showing interest in other things and trying to build relationships away from the rink is a big part of it.”

Centre Riley Boychuk said he hopes the initiative gives kids something to feel proud of and excited about.

“We're pretty lucky where we are,” Boychuk said. “Not everybody has a chance or opportunity to play hockey, so to give them something else to do, something else to look forward to, is important.

“And when they see us doing that, hopefully that makes them more interested in it."

The program is organized in partnership with the Rotary Club of Prince Albert, which helped launch the initiative more than 25 years ago.

Rotary member Brian Bosomworth said what stands out most is the sense of connection in the room.

“Well, first it’s the time spent,” he said.

“It’s a family event where they come out together. The kids are so well-behaved as they watch the Raiders read to them. It gives them a sense that someone has given their time to them.”

A season-long reading challenge is tied to the program.

Children can take home reading logs, track the books they read with their families and bring those logs back to the library. At the end of the Raiders’ season, their entries are collected for the chance to win prizes.

Organizers say each event draws a mix of familiar faces and new families as the program's reach grows throughout the team’s season.

For kids clutching newly-signed merchandise and awarded tickets, it’s a chance to see their favourite players up close — and learn that reading is just as valuable as rink time.