The Prince George Cougars have donated dozens of packs of hockey cards to the Prince George RCMP to act as ice breakers whenever police come across youth in moments of stress.
During an unveiling of the initiative Tuesday, Cougars vice president Andy Beesley said he and Supt. Warren Brown came up with the idea out of recognition that both the players and the detachment's officers want to be positive role models for youth.
"It's a small token but I think is something that in its simplicity can be very big, very profound, very meaningful," Beesley said.
Brown said the cards will help officers build a bond with youth at some difficult moments. They'll also be handed out to youth caught doing a good deed like escorting a younger sibling across the street, he said.
"Unfortunately, all too often we come into contact with youth who have witnessed or been subject to horrendous trauma," Brown said.
"Any opportunity to have a positive interaction with a young person through the sharing of a Cougars hockey card will go a long way in not only demonstrating care but also inspiring the possibilities they could achieve."
That the players have had an influence local youngsters became apparent during the visits they've made to elementary schools to give talks about healthy living, Beesley said.
"Whatever the players say or do, the kids want to do as well," he said.
The packs contains 25 cards, each sporting a photo and stats for a member of the team. And with seven players drafted into the NHL, Beesley said there's a chance a few of those cards will become collectors' items down the road.
