The 2014 Hockey Education Program (HEP) Essay Contest, presented by Park Dental, closes on Saturday, November 30th. The HEP Essay Contest is an annual tradition that encourages players to express their thoughts on what makes youth hockey a positive environment.

All registered Minnesota Hockey participants are encouraged to enter the contest by completing the following: “I can make my team better by…” That’s right, we want to hear what you plan to do this season to help your team. Are you putting in extra time stick handling on your backyard rink? Will you put a focus on taking few penalties, passing more often or playing a leadership role? Whatever it is, we want you to tell us.

The mission of HEP is to ensure a positive athletic experience for youth hockey players by integrating a progressive approach to skill development with coaching excellence and accountability through Fair Play. The three components of HEP are Skill Development, Education and Accountability.

“The HEP Essay contest has continued to grow since its inception in 2005, and we’re thrilled that Park Dental has joined in our mission as the presenting partner of HEP,” said Steve Morse, HEP Committee Chair. “The HEP Essay Contest gives kids the ability to explain what makes hockey so special in this state, and also spread positive messages that they’ve learned from their coaches, parents and teammates.”

The top three essays, as selected by the HEP Committee, will be featured during the Fox Sports North broadcast of Hockey Day Minnesota on January 18, 2014. They will also be featured in Let’s Play Hockey magazine and have the opportunity to attend a Minnesota Wild home game this season. The contest winner will be randomly selected among the three finalists and will receive a “dream day” experience on a Minnesota Wild game day during the 2014-15 season.

The winner of the 2013 HEP Essay Contest was Sam Lahl, a Squirt player in the Bloomington Jefferson association. Sam will receive a Minnesota Wild gameday experience including ice time at Xcel Energy Center and a suite at a Wild game for himself and his team during the 2013-14 season. His winning submission can be found here. 

Submissions will be accepted through November 30. Original essays should be limited to 250 words or less, and should include the child’s name, hockey association, team/classification, address, phone number and email address. Submissions can be sent to:

Minnesota Hockey

Attn: HEP Essay Contest

317 Washington Street

Saint Paul, MN 55102