Red Wings star scores big for reading

As accomplished as Justin Abdelkader is as a hockey star, it is what he has achieved through education that means the most to him.

"I am proud that I recently finished my degree at Michigan State University," the Detroit Red Wings forward told Schuchard Elementary students. "No one can ever take that away from me."

Abdelkader was at Schuchard Thursday after the school won the Red Wings for Reading contest by submitting the most entries in this year's contest. Schuchard had approximately 350 students participate in the program.

To celebrate the school's commitment to reading, Abdelkader read Hooray for Diffendoofer Day! by Dr. Seuss to about 50 students. It was aired live to the remaining classes.

In addition to reading, Abdelkader answered several questions from Schuchard students, including what advice he would give young athletes.

"Don't get discouraged," he said. "You will have tough days."

Third grader Gisele Toma said it was "awesome" to have a Red Wings star come to the school.

She also talked about the importance of reading.

"It helps you do everything," she said. "If you can read, you can do math. If you can read, you can do science."