Students Learn And Prepare

The Gladiators "SLAP Shots" Program is designed to help motivate and reward students for their hard work and excellence in Public, Private, and Home Schools.

"One of our missions as the local professional sports team is to make the Gladiators an integral part of the community," states Gladiators General Manager Steve Chapman. "Children are our future and the "SLAP Shots" Program is just one of the many ways we plan to create a presence in Gwinnett and surrounding communities."

The SLAP Shots Program is comprised of two motivational school programs; "Hat Trick for Reading" and "In The Arena" with the Gladiators.

The Elementary School "Hat Trick" for Reading program, sponsored by Suwanee Dental Care, is designed to help stimulate reading interest in area Elementary Schools. Students will score a "Hat Trick" and earn two Gladiators ticket vouchers for the Upper End Zone by reading one set of three teacher-approved books during the school year. This Season, "Hat Trick For Reading" Award Night is Friday, November 14th vs. South Carolina for all Gwinnett County Public Schools. All other Public School Systems, Private Schools and Home School groups will be awarded for the game on Saturday, November 15th vs. South Carolina. In addition, parents and other family members will have the option of purchasing additional game tickets to that same game at discounted prices. (please refer to the promotional outline your school has for complete details and restrictions)

The Middle School “Hat Trick for Reading” program, is designed to help stimulate reading interest in area Middle Schools. Students who score a "Hat Trick" will earn two Gladiators ticket vouchers for the Upper End Zone by reading one set of three teacher-approved books during a predetermined portion of the School year. This Season, the Middle School "Hat Trick For Reading" Award Night is Friday, December 12th vs. Mississippi for all Middle Schools, regardless or location. In addition, parents and other family members will have the option of purchasing additional game tickets to that same game at discounted prices. (please refer to the promotional outline your school has for complete details and restrictions)

Some local High Schools will have the opportunity to participate in "In the Arena" with the Gladiators this season! Selected High School DECA or Marketing programs will help the Gladiators Staff facilitate our Game Night Promotions and activities on a night that is agreed upon by the School and the Team. Check with your local High School to see if they qualify for this exciting program.

"The programs are designed to compliment each other," said Chapman, "and give students in any grade an opportunity to be rewarded for the hard work they do all year."

In addition to the Academic Programs, schools are encouraged to participate in "School Nights" throughout the 2008-2009 Season. If your band, chorus, or orchestra would like to perform the National Anthem some night, give the Gladiators office a call to check on availability. It's a fun time for students, parents, and staff. The "Peggy Slappey Properties School Fund Raiser" is a great program for any School that would like to enjoy a night here at the Arena, as well as make some money for a School Program.

An amazing 150+ Schools participated in the "SLAP Shots" Program during the 2007-2008 School Year. (125 Elementary Schools, 30 Middle Schools, and 7 High Schools) Any School Administrator, Teacher, Media Specialist or PTA Organization who desires to have their students participate is encouraged to contact:

Gwinnett Gladiators Hockey Club
P.O. Box 957238
Duluth, Georgia 30095
phone: (770) 497-5109
fax: (770) 497-5101