"Education has always been important in my family," Abdelkader said. "As a recent college graduate, I want to do my part to encourage reading among Michigan's elementary students. My dad was an educator and my sister is a teacher in Muskegon. I know how important it is and the impact we can have as professional athletes on younger kids."
Now in its fifth season, Abdelkader and the Red Wings for Reading program encourage students to read a selection of the forward's favorite books for their grade level and submit an online entry form for the chance to win a pair of tickets to the Red Wings' home game on March 12, 2017.
Students who win the chance to attend a Red Wings game receive two tickets, food vouchers, an autographed Abdelkader photo and other items, and winning students are recognized at the game on the Joe Louis Arena Video Board as Abby's All Stars.
And while not every participating student will receive the Red Wings ticket package, each student does become an honorary member of Abby's All Stars and receives a Red Wings for Reading fan pack, courtesy of MESP, which includes a Red Wings bookmark and a personalized certificate of completion from Abdelkader.
Last season, more than 1,600 students in 185 elementary schools across Michigan participated in the program.
The school that submits the highest percent of student entries by January 31, 2017 will win the opportunity to have Abdelkader visit the school, read to a select classroom and, new this season, the winning school receives a $2,500 school library upgrade.
For more information on the Red Wings for Reading program, visit
DetroitRedWings.com/Reading
.
