The Portage Terriers will not be back on the ice until at least September, however, they are still trying to stay active in the community.

The organization is doing their part for 'I Love To Read Month' and has had some of their players read to different schools and classes in the community. Marketing coordinator Cody Buhler says they love to spend time with their supporters.

"We really like to make that connection with the fans when we can, especially with kids in schools," says Buhler. "I Love To Read Month has always tied in nicely with how we connect with fans. It's, obviously, been a little more challenging this year but we still want to try and get in touch with our fans."

Buhler notes, due to COVID, many of the players are already working as educational assistants in schools around town. Defenceman Kian Calder has been one of those players and has been thrilled to be a part of it.

"It feels really good," Calder explains. "The kids love seeing someone in a jersey, I don't even know if they knew who I was. They have smiles on their face when they hear that stuff, it makes them feel good and it makes me feel good seeing that."

Calder says the message they're trying to spread while doing this is that they're trying to make hockey a safe space for everyone, free of judgement. He says he tries to be as inclusive as possible in the dressing room and he wants to help get rid of the stigma surrounding hockey culture.

Calder has been happy to spread some sort of joy to these children.

"Hopefully, I made some of the kids' day by reading to them in my jersey," says Calder. "It's nice to see them smile because who knows what they're going through with the pandemic. I know it's been hard on a lot of people. So, seeing the kids smile is awesome."