Spitfires help open students’ eyes to reading

Ryan Ellis and Cam Fowler visit Malden Central Public School

Posted By Ron Giofu/The Amherstburg Echo

Posted 29 days ago

AMHERSTBURG — Grade 6 students at Malden Central Public School had two stories read to them last Wednesday morning but the readers themselves were the bigger story.

Ryan Ellis and Cam Fowler, both defensemen with the Windsor Spitfires, were guest readers for the class and came at the request of parent Lisa Wismer. Wismer explained that her son Eric has difficulty with reading but is a “huge Spitfires fan” that tries to read all he can about the team and Ellis, his favourite player.

After hearing from a co-worker about the Spitfires’ visits to Windsor schools, Wismer decided to try and bring them to Amherstburg and specifically Malden Central Public School.

“I just e-mailed them and told them how much Eric liked Ryan,” she said.

Wismer said she not only hoped the Spitfires gave a “jump start” to her son, but to the school as well.

Ellis, a 2009 first round draft choice of the NHL’s Nashville Predators, said they get to spread the word about the Spitfires when they make visits like these but it’s more than that too. Seeing the students become happy and excited is a reward in itself.

“It puts a smile on your face to be here,” said Ellis, who recently signed his first pro contract with the Predators.

Ellis noted that many of the players make visits to area schools.

“It’s good for us to do,” added Fowler. “Kids look up to us.”

Fowler is a highly ranked prospect for the 2010 NHL draft.

Eric Wismer said he enjoyed when the players were reading to his class. He admitted, with a smile on his face, to being surprised by their arrival, saying he didn’t know they were coming.