Positive Reinforcement Prorgam

  The Moncton Wildcats are looking to help create all-star kids in the community.

  The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League club has taken on a new initiative this season by launching its Positive Reinforcement Program in New Brunswick schools. The goal of the program is to motivate students to do the right things whether it’s in the classroom, the playground or their general every day actions in life.

  “Our players work to be role models off the ice,” said Moncton head coach Darren Rumble. “If we can inspire students to do the right thing despite peer pressures, to work hard and accomplish a goal, and to be a good friend to someone who could really use one, then we can help create all-stars who will go on to become leaders.”

  Thirty-five schools in the English and French systems are taking part in the Wildcats Positive Reinforcement Program, which offers rewards. That means the program, which runs from Nov. 1, 2013 to March 1, 2014, has an opportunity to impact more than 10,000 students.

  Here’s how the program works:

  1. A teacher, school administrator or fellow student recognizes someone’s positive action or behaviour and nominates that student to be an all-star.

  2. The nominated student writes his or her name on a hockey puck sticker, which is then posted on the Wall of Fame, a large poster that’s prominently displayed in each school.

  3. The student is also identified to peers as an all-star with a sticker on his or her outfit.

  4. Everybody who’s been nominated as an all-star will have their name entered in a draw for a Wildcats family ticket package. There are four prizes handed out per school each month.

  5. Every all-star is also entered for a chance to win a Wildcats team autographed jersey and family season ticket package.

  The program is sponsored by New Brunswick EMS, the organization that’s resonsible for the management of Ambulance New Brunswick.

  “We think this initiative will go a long way in developing caring, considerate, community-minded young leaders,” said New Brunswick EMS president and CEO Alan Stephen. “N.B. EMS is proud to support an initiative aimed at fostering values of compassion, dedication and selflessness that we share.”

  Ryan Penny, a 19-year-old centre, is a fourth-year veteran who has spent his entire career with Moncton. The Wildcats captain has seen the impact that the club has on kids in the community.

  “I’ve been to a lot of the team’s community events over the years and every single time it feels good just knowing that we’re making a difference in the community,” he said. “We have the power to have a positive impact on kids and we’ve got to take advantage of it.

  “We’ve always been involved in the community and this season I think we’re taking a step up (with the Wildcats Positive Reinforcement Program in the school system). It’s a chance for us to send a message to kids about doing the right things. It could be to prevent bullying, promote working hard in school and things like that.”

  Penny points out that each Wildcats community events he attends is a reminder of the influence the players have on kids.

  “We can’t take that for granted,” he said. “I think an important message we have for kids is that you have to make sacrifices along the way and stay committed to what you want to achieve in life. You need to do the right thinggs, believe in yourself, follow your dreams and never give up. The more we can help kids the better it’s going to make our community.”

  Christophe Lalonde, 19, is a fourth-year veteran who’s in his third season with Moncton. The left winger knows that he and his teammates are role models in the eyes of young kids.

  “We have a responsibility to set a good example for kids,” he said. “A lot of these kids want to be a Wildcat some day so we’ve got to lead by example. I’m not just talking about hockey. It’s the way we do things off the ice, too.

  “The kids were pretty excited the day we went to the school to launch the Wildcats Positive Reinforcement Program. Hopefully, they’re going to work hard to be all-stars in the community and they can have fun with this program.”

  Lalonde was asked what message he has for kids.

  “Never quit school,” he said. “It’s really important to do well in your studies. Even if you’re playing major junior, there’s not many guys that get to play professional hockey so obviously school is very important.”