Calling all Teachers, Librarians, and Youth Program Leaders!

Reading with Rowdy is an interactive program designed to emphasize the importance of reading to students in grades K through 5. Each session involves two segments: Story Time and Craft Time. The River Rats’ team mascot Rowdy inserts an element of fun to the learning environment in order to show children the enjoyment and excitement of reading. As an incentive for students, those individuals who complete the program receive an award.

The Reading with Rowdy program is simple and surely benefits those individuals involved. Participating children read ten books throughout the duration of the course, and their parents or a staff member from the participating location track students’ progress on a special Reading with Rowdy form. Upon the program's conclusion, each child receives a Certificate of Completion and a complimentary child’s ticket to an exciting Albany River Rats game!


Contact Shannon Richie at (518) 487-2246 and ask about the Reading with Rowdy program today!

Community Initiatives
In The Community: The Albany River Rats enter their 13th season in the Capital Region with more determination than ever to make a difference in the lives of area residents. A recent honoree as one of the 25 most influential organizations in the Capital Region tourism industry, the top minor league affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes takes part in over 150 local events ranging from player appearances to charitable donations and fundraisers. During the 2006-2007 American Hockey League season, the Albany River Rats are looking for fans, groups, and organizations to make a difference in the lives of those in need and here is how you can make a difference.

“Rowdy” The Rat: The most lovable mascot in the area attends all home games but does not have the luxury of much time off. The summer is one of the busiest times of year for the Number One Rat Fan, and he is available for all kinds of promotional events to charitable efforts as well as handshakes, photos and autographs. Some of “Rowdy’s” most recent stops are the American Heart Association Heart Walk, Light the Night for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as well as the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.

School Appearances: The River Rats players and “Rowdy” the Rat regularly visit local schools and provide students with the chance to put into action positive messages they receive from their heroes. The visits generally include hockey equipment and game instruction, goal setting and attainment discussions along with insights into how athletes deal with the pressures they face everyday.

The River Rats organization tries to present messages that promote staying in school, aversion from drugs and alcohol, and steering clear of any and all kinds of violence. A new program established during the 2001-02 season, the Albany River Rats’ honor roll program rewards honor roll students by providing them with a complimentary ticket to a game for their performance at school.

Youth Hockey Organizations: Participating in youth hockey practices and clinics allows the River Rats to take an active role in the formation of tomorrow’s stars. Our players pass on knowledge about their own experiences, whether the youngsters aspire to be future National Hockey League stars or just to participate for fun. Having a player at your clinic will provide a positive role model for the children as they instruct, inspire and answer questions. The River Rats have and continue to participate in youth hockey clinics all over the Capital Region from the beginning of the campaign in October right until the end of the regular season in April.

Hospital Visits: The River Rats believe it is a moral imperative to visit as many local hospitals as the busy hockey season will allow. The players and “Rowdy” provide support and spread joy to many of the local hospital patients throughout the area with smiles, autographs and pictures for those most in need. The goal of the team is to make someone’s day a little bit brighter.

Donations: The River Rats donate game tickets and hockey memorabilia for fundraisers, raffles and auctions to benefit worthy charitable causes every season. If your non-profit organization would like to request a ticket of memorabilia donation, please notify the River Rats office in writing, on company letterhead, providing sufficient time and detail on the event.

Please contact Shannon Richie at (518) 487-2246 for more information on how to arrange a ROWDY and/or player appearance and to find out how the River Rats can participate in your community or charitable event.