The Brantford Blast home opener Nov. 7 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 to the game for participants from the 54 school sites where the program operates. Represenative dignitaries and children from the Grand Erie District School Board, the Brant, Haldimand, and Norfolk Catholic District School Board and the education authority for the Mississaugas of the New Credit dropped the puck to kick off the 2014/2015 season.