By Stephanie Froese

Prince Albert Raiders encourage a life without drugs

Oct 27, 2010 | 6:46 AM

Elementary school students have some great role models in the Prince Albert Raiders.
 

Five team members and staff, as well as representation from the RCMP and Parkland Ambulance, were at John Diefenbaker School Tuesday to share with students the about the value of staying away for drugs.
 

The local hockey heroes talked to a captivated audience about a recent trip to Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, an area rampant with substance abuse.
 

Defenseman Jordan Rowley said he's glad he can use his popularity to inspire kids to stay away from that kind of life.
 

“Being that big of a role model for the young kids is kind of cool… you wouldn’t get that in the Calgary, Edmonton or Vancouver area,” said Rowley.
 

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“It’s good. We like the responsibility and we take it on with this program.”
 

Constable Christie Fiennes was also in Vancouver and said she believes presentations to students like this really do work.
 

“Kids hear one hundred times from an adult not to use drugs but for it to come from someone they respect I think it’s a very powerful message,” she said.
 

Even if they help a couple kids stay away from drugs Rowley said he thinks it’s worth it.
 

During the presentation each of the Raiders told the students why they did not take drugs and how their dreams of playing hockey would never happen if they had. They cautioned the students about how substance abuse destroys an opportunity to pursue any hopes and dreams.
 

After a presentation and a quick game of dodge ball, students swarmed around each of the Raiders to ask questions and get autographs.
 

sfroese@rawlco.com