Minnesota Hockey would like to recognize Cameron Pietrusa, a Squirt player from the Hermantown Area Hockey Association. Cameron was selected as a finalist for the 2014 HEP Essay Contest for his response to “I can make my team better by…”. As a finalist, Cameron’s essay (below) was featured by FSN during their Hockey Day Minnesota broadcast, and he had the opportunity to attend a Minnesota Wild game this season. 

“I can help my team get better by…

I think the most important way I can help my team get better is by being a leader on and off the ice. I can make sure that I have good grades and that my teammates are always trying their best on and off the ice.

I can help my team get better by always skating my hardest and crashing the net after every shot.

I can help my team get better by staying positive and always being a team player if we are winning by 10 or if we are losing by 10.

I will help my team get better by respecting my coaches, teachers and family. I will give 100% on the ice, at school and at home.

I will help my team get better by stepping up and helping kids that are being bullied and show them that everyone has their place. It doesn’t matter if they play sports or just like to read, no one should be mean to another person because they are different.

I can help my team get better by being a friend.

I can and will help my team get better by showing my love for the game on and off the ice and showing school pride and respect wherever I go.

I love hockey and will do whatever it takes to help my team!”