NY Islanders encourage reading

Shown in the photo, New York Islanders Thomas Pock and Joey Mac- Donald visit the third, fourth and fifth grade classes, during the New York Islander Literacy Day celebration. On Oct. 21, New York Islanders Joey MacDonald and Thomas Pock visited West Islip's Manetuck Elementary School to celebrate New York Islander Literacy Day, a program created to encourage young children to read. During their visit, the hockey stars read the book Ice Magic to the third, fourth and fifth grade classes. Two different team members visited ten Long Island schools during the day.

Manetuck students asked many questions including: when did you start playing hockey (the answer from both players, around the age of three years old), what kind of car do you drive (the answer from both players SUVs), and what was your favorite book growing up (Joey MacDonald's answer - Call of the Wild).

After reading and answering questions, players autographed items and took photos with the students. "Reading is so important in life. Everything you do in life includes reading. The better you can read, the better you do in life," said New York Islander Joey MacDonald.

"This program provides a great way to encourage kids to read. The players are good role models and we're so happy to have them visit," said Manetuck Principal Mary Anderson.

Shown in the photo, New York Islanders Joey MacDonald and Thomas Pock sign autographs for Manetuck students at the New York Islander Literacy Day.