Congratulations to Owen Faste of Chisago Lakes Hockey Association! Owen was randomly selected from a group of three finalists as the winner of the 2014 HEP Essay Contest, presented by Park Dental. As a part of the contest, Owen has won a dream day for him and his teammates at the Xcel Energy Center next season.

Minnesota Hockey would also like to say thank you to everyone that participated and congratulations to the other finalists, Joslin Mumm of Coon Rapids and Cameron Pietrusa from Hermantown.  All of the finalists were featured by Fox Sports North during today’s Hockey Day Minnesota broadcast.  Each of their essays on this year’s topic, “I can make my team better by…” will also be showcased over the coming weeks in the Minnesota Hockey Newsletter and Let’s Play Hockey magazine.

Here is a look at Owen’s winning essay:

 “I worked so hard, winter, spring, summer and now it is fall. I played hard, I listened and I improved. Try outs made me nervous, but I was confident, this would be the year I made B1 or B2. The results were in, and this is what I heard, ‘Owen, we know you worked hard and you have come a long way, but you are going to be a C Squirt again this year.’

NOOO! What did I do wrong? All of the coaches told me how much I had improved. I have never been so upset about anything in my life.

I had a choice to make. Quit? No! I LOVE HOCKEY, so I decided I will be the best C Squirt I can be. I have a chance to be a leader this year, and I can make my team better by sharing what I have learned. I can share what I have learned by showing them and by encouraging them to do all of the things I have learned this year.

1. Don’t EVER miss a chance to play
2. Always give it everything you have
3. Listen, try new things and don’t give up
4. Treat your teammates like your friends
5. Respect everyone all the time
6. HAVE FUN!

It’s going to be a great season!”