The Brantford Blast home opener was also a celebration for Strong Start to reading! To recognize the growth of the Strong Start Letters, Sounds and Words program in Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk, Peter Ham and the Blast hockey organization hosted Strong Start children, their families and program Volunteer Coaches by providing complimentary Family Passes for participants from the 54 school sites where the program operates to attend the game. Representative dignitaries and children from the Grand Erie District School Board, the Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk Catholic District School Board and the Education Authority for Mississaugas of the New Credit had the honour of dropping the puck to kick off the 2014-15 season. Thank you to the Brantford Blast hockey organization for their ongoing generous support. They are our community champions on and off the ice.