Game On Magazine - April 2017 GameOn-Apr2017-P001-144-ONLINE | Page 39

“THEY MIGHT HAVE BEEN LOUDER THAN THE MTS CENTRE” The Winnipeg Jets, in conjunction with I Love to Read Month, once again offered Reading Takes Flight, presented by Esdale Printing, to schools throughout the province. Reading Takes Flight is an annual program that positively encourages children to develop an interest in reading. This year, on Wednesday, February 8, Jets players visited 12 different schools throughout the city and joined with the teachers and their students to celebrate the annual February event. During their school visits, players read the official Winnipeg Jets children’s storybook “The Home Team” to classes of students from grades K to 6. Classes were chosen based on an entrant’s list of Top 5 reasons why a Jets player should read to their class. In addition to the visit, each winning entrant received an autographed replica jersey from a visiting player as well as an autographed book for each student and each classroom involved. Students also received Winnipeg Jets’ player bookmarks and participated in an autograph session with their visiting player or players. This year, Jets’ stars Mark Scheifele and Josh Morrissey started the celebration at RF Morrison School at 25 Morrison Street back on February 8. After that, players descended on the other 11 schools and helped the students celebrate I Love to Read Month. Scheifele and Morrissey were a little surprised by the excitement at Morrison School. They entered to a very loud ‘Go Jets Go’ chant as kids lined the hallways to welcome them. The youngsters even made their own signs showing their support for the team. Most of them wore their favourite Jets apparel. “They might have been louder than the MTS Centre,” Scheifele said. “This school definitely has our fans running for their money.” Nobody knows how excited the students can get more than Paulsen. He’s been involved with the program for a few seasons and he knows how thrilled the young students are, just to see their favorite players. “This program is important to our organization,” said Paulsen. GAME ON 39