Hayley Wickenheiser, four-time Olympic medalist, is holding a nation-wide contest titled ‘Why Girl’s Hockey Rocks in Your Community.’
Wickenheiser launched the contest in celebration of the recent addition of Club Wick to her website. Club Wick is an interactive platform where kids can receive exclusive information and chat with Wickenheiser one-on-one.
For the contest, entrants are being requested to make a 60-90 second video showing their love for the sport, community and girl power.
“I’m looking forward to see what comes out of it,” Wickenheiser said, adding she’s anticipating interesting and creative work from contestants.
The winner will receive a visit from Wickenheiser for a skate on their home ice, along with an autograph and picture session, a speaking engagement for all of their minor league peers, and a gift from Wickenheiser’s personal memorabilia collection.
“I enjoy going to communities and working with young kids, and you know, just generally being on the ice with young players,” she said.
The odds of winning are levelled and fair, as the video with the highest number of likes will be declared the winner.
“Anyone is eligible, it’s a national contest. I could end up in the Northwest Territories, and I could end up somewhere in the Maritimes, it really depends on the submissions,” Wickenheiser said.
Similar to many of her admirers today, Wickenheiser, 33, started playing at the young age of five in the small town of Shaunavon, Saskatchewan.
At 15 years old, she was chosen for the Canadian Women’s National team, where she led the team to six gold and one silver medal at the Women’s World Hockey Championship.
In terms of Olympics, she has earned three gold medals in 2002, 2006 and 2010, and one silver in 1998.
The hockey legend has been regarded as one of the greatest female hockey players in the world.
“Hockey has really given me everything I have in my life in some way, shape or form,” Wickenheiser said. “As much as I love to play in the championships and the games, I also try to develop and enjoy the game.”
But just like any other profession, her career has had it’s highs and lows, which have been navigated through sheer determination.
“There’s been lots of struggles, I mean it’s never a smooth ride. There’s lots of ups and downs along the way, and lots of hard work and sacrifice as well,” she said. “You’re fighting the fight all the time to keep going, and promoting the game.”
Wickenheiser advised any young, aspiring hockey players to practice, observe and dream.
“Watch the best players in the world, whether they’re male or female. Get out there and practice your skills, and play a lot of sports, don’t just do hockey year round,” she said. “Allow yourself to dream and be creative, don’t be afraid to make mistakes.”
Canada’s prized hockey player is currently majoring in kinesiology at the University of Calgary, with the ambition to attend medical school and become a doctor.
She currently plays for the university’s hockey team, the Calgary Dinos.
The deadline is July 31, and more information on the contest is available at: www.hayleywickenheiser.com
