The Ontario Minor Hockey Association is proud to announce the grand prize winner and finalists of the eighth annual Essay Contest presented by Respect in Sport. This year's theme was 'Why I'm Excited Hockey Is Back'. The contest was designed to engage players in an educational manner while encouraging them to express their thoughts on what life skills they learn from playing hockey.

Over 150 essays were submitted and the Ontario Minor Hockey Association in partnership with Respect in Sport want to thank everyone for their participation. Based on the quality, creativity and passion demonstrated in their submission, five finalists were selected with one of them emerging as our grand prize winner.

Dylan Waduck of Whitby Minor Hockey Association is this year’s winner who wrote about how hockey helped him overcome his battle with cancer. For being named winner, Dylan will receive a $1000 worth of CCM Hockey Gear.

“Respect in Sport is about providing a positive environment for all, so that hockey players can enjoy the game, and learn from the positive adult role models around them, like parents, coaches, and officials,” said Respect Group's Ontario Director Mark Allen. “Respect Group is very proud to support the OMHA Essay Contest and wants to thank every player who submitted an essay and also congratulate the five Finalists."

Sawyer Bradley (Wasaga Beach), Sadie Evans-Fockler (Highland Storm), Jazper Zajac (Wasaga Beach) and Marcus Wong (Markham) were selected as the four finalists. For their tremendous writing abilities they will receive an OMHA prize pack.

Dylan Waduck (Whitby)

When COVID began I was in my hockey league playoffs and they were cancelled before we could finish the round. It was upsetting but we knew that something serious must be happening in the world and it was unsafe to be around people. Hockey is Back! This is my coping mechanism because when COVID hit and hockey was cancelled I was also diagnosed with Leukemia cancer and thought I would never be able to play hockey again. I spent a lot of time at SickKids hospital and dreamed about being on the ice again. I have under a year left of treatment and when I am on the ice I feel free and like I belong. Being on the ice with a team brings me confidence and I have made new forever friends. Being on the ice helps to take my mind off everything that I am going through.

Hockey is not only exciting for the players but it brings all the families together. I am excited to have hockey back because it feels amazing to get out and be active doing what I love. I lost so much being diagnosed but at least I have my hockey.

The silver lining. COVID stopped hockey and gave me the time to get stronger and fight my battle. My battle continues but hockey is guiding me through my healing and I don’t know what I would do without my passion. Hockey is Back and it returned at the most perfect time. #DylanStrong

Sawyer Bradley (Wasaga Beach)

Hockey is a big part of my life, it’s a part of my lifestyle. It connects me with friends, it lets me give back and help the community, I get to go away on cool tournaments to places I've never been before and it teaches me life lessons and skills.

One of the biggest things about hockey for me is my team. I didn’t realize how much I needed them until I didn't have one last year. I go through the good, bad and ugly with them. They cheer me up when I’m sad and I'm always there for them. They are like a second family to me.

Another reason I'm so glad hockey’s back is because it helps me build skills like leadership, respect and that hard work always pays off. And when I didn’t have that last year I felt different. I was a little more down about myself and didn’t have that drive to keep going in school and other things.

A few weeks ago our team was having a parent meeting so all the kids went outside to play tag. I remember feeling like I didn't want to be anywhere else in the whole world at that moment, I was just having so much fun. That's truly how hockey makes me feel. Like I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, like I rule the world when I'm skating a breakaway for my team. For all those reasons that’s why I'm excited hockey's back.

Sadie Evans-Fockler (Highland Storm)

Hockey is a vital part of my life and my community. It is a way I get exercise, make friends and improve my mental health. During the pandemic I noticed that throughout the day I would have to put in effort to achieve five thousand steps. When I was playing hockey I would have no trouble at all gaining twelve thousand a day. My mental health is extremely impacted by the amount of movement and outside time I get, so getting five thousand steps a day was not sufficient. After playing hockey my heart rate is elevated, I feel happier and good about myself. Being a teenager I naturally struggle with self esteem and the way I feel in my skin. Playing hockey really helps me feel better about who I am and what I look like. In fact it is scientifically proven that most people are healthier and happier after exercising and being outside. Keeping this in mind, for some people hockey is the only exercise they get all week. This is why hockey is incredibly important to a healthy community. In conclusion, me and my mental health are both happy hockey is back!

Jazper Zajac (Wasaga Beach)

Why am I excited that hockey is back?
It’s putting my gear in the pack.
Then after a game I’ll pat my teammates on the back.
I am excited to help a teammate score a goal
just to make a happy soul.
All fired up to pass in front of the opponent’s net
so there will be a goal that we will get.
I will help my team shoot and score
to keep them energized to keep going for more.
On the bench I will keep my team's spirits up
with fistpumps that give us good luck.
As a Captain I will be ready to help my team enjoy the game
as we play like a burning fiery flame.
A Captain excited to watch my team fly on the ice
and when they score it’s extremely nice.
Eager to approach the opponent’s net
and score with any shot I’ll get.
After the game we get off the bench
and then we go to the goalie that we will clench.
If we get licked
we say congrats by clapping our sticks.
In the change room we’ll cheer and yell
because of a fun day that went extremely well.
A Captain's job is never done
My teammates are always so much fun!

Marcus Wong (Markham)

Hello Hockey! I’m so excited you are back again! I missed you so much!

I’m excited hockey is back so I can learn new skills, be creative, try new things on the ice and develop great friendships. I love the breeze on the ice, the roar of the crowd and energy in the arena during games. I’m excited and love to compete against other teams, battle and fight for the puck.

Returning to hockey gives me the opportunity to hang out with my friends and have lots of fun. During the pandemic, I was bored, I had nothing to do. I just spent most of my days on the couch. Now I feel more active and engaged.

I get super excited when going to the rink because I can’t wait to get on the ice and skate, shoot, stickhandle, pass and compete just like my favourite players. There is so much excitement when your team scores or has a great defensive play. I love the excitement and how loud and cheerful your team is in the dressing room after a big win.

I’m excited hockey is back because I can compete in tournaments, go away to new cities that are cool and nice and create lasting memories with my family and team.

I’m most excited hockey is back for the social and shared experiences, being around friends and coaches, being included and part of a team and something special. The bond between hockey teammates is unlike any other in sport.