Jack Falla, a man synonymous with so many things we hold dear – hockey, backyard rinks, writing, breadsticks – is the inspiration behind a new contest being held by USA Hockey. The Jack Falla Junior Reporter Essay Contest, launched recently by the US’s major amateur governing body, asks kids to submit a game recap, article, or blog post about themselves or their teammates. Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of judges, and finalists will be read by ESPN anchor (and backyard rinkbuilder) John Buccigross, with one winner being featured in the December 2014 issue of USA Hockey Magazine.

The deadline for the contest is November 5, 2014. Entries must be mailed to essay@usahockey.org, and to keep with the spirit of being a ‘junior’ reporter, all submissions must be written by a USA Hockey-registered player age 18 and under.