Young readers can earn a chance at a Rochester Americans suite experience through Reading Power Play, the team’s literacy partnership with the Monroe County Library System for the 2026-27 season.
The eight-event program pairs Amerks players with public librarians for reading visits and hockey demonstrations. Presented by CooperVision, its 21st season is scheduled to run through Jan. 25, 2027, according to the team’s Oct. 15 announcement.
Library visits connect hockey and reading
At each appearance, an Amerks player reads to children, gives a brief hockey demonstration and discusses the importance of reading. Visits also include a raffle and an autograph session with the participating player and the team’s mascot, The Moose.
The team announced a Nov. 2 opening at Fairport Public Library, with forward Riley Fiddler-Schultz scheduled to appear at 6:30 p.m. The announcement identified him as the reigning American Hockey League Man of the Year.
Each youth attending a program appearance is offered a complimentary ticket. Families can claim up to one free ticket for each youth to a remaining 2026-27 Amerks regular-season home game of their choice, with additional tickets available at a discounted rate through amerks.com/read.
Monroe County Library System Associate Director Jennifer Smathers said the partnership gives children a chance to see athletes as readers and provides role models who can help make reading more appealing.
Steven Robins, CooperVision’s president for the Americas, said the company’s support is intended to help young readers develop skills and expand their opportunities.
Three books earn an entry for the grand prize
The program uses hockey’s hat trick as a reading incentive: Participants complete a form for every three books they read, earning an entry in the grand-prize drawing.
Forms are available at all Monroe County Library System member libraries and at Member Services during Amerks home games. Completed forms must be returned to participants’ libraries or Member Services by the program’s conclusion to qualify for the drawing.
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Two grand-prize winners and their families will receive suite tickets to Rochester’s home game against the Utica Comets on Feb. 21, 2027, at 3:05 p.m. The prize includes food and beverages courtesy of CooperVision, participation in a ceremonial puck drop before the game and recognition of the winners’ reading achievements.
Families can find the complete library-event schedule at amerks.com/readingpowerplay. For additional information about the program or other community events, contact the Amerks’ public relations department at 585-454-5335.
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