Minnesota Hockey is excited to reveal the finalists for this year’s HEP Essay Contest. Once again, youth players of all ages and from around the state have submitted entries. This year the topic, “I play hockey because…”, provided fantastic insights as to why kids not only choose, but continue to play and love the game of hockey. Thank you to everyone that sent in an essay!

The following finalists (pictured on right) have been chosen to be featured during the Fox Sports North broadcast of Hockey Day Minnesota on Saturday, January 19th:

• Charles Moher, a squirt from Edina Hockey Association
• Karina Carlsen, a 14U player from Alexandria Area Hockey Association
• Sam Lahl, a squirt from Bloomington Jefferson Youth Hockey

Tune in to Fox Sports North on Hockey Day Minnesota to see each of finalists’ essays and find out who the randomly selected winner will be.

For a sneak peek of what is to come, watch this video of Danny Lilya, the winner of the 2012 HEP Essay Contest.