Jack Edwards was selected as one of the winners of the “Every Kids Dream Contest” where he would skate with the Vancouver Canucks during their pre-game skate and also join them on the blue line for the national anthems. BC Hockey called to let the family know Jack had won and chatted with his mom and sister as Jack was out playing street hockey. “Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Is this a joke?” his mom Karen asked at first. “He is going to be so excited!” she finally got out among tears of joy. “I can’t believe this. Jack is going to be super excited,” his sister said. “This really is his dream.”



Once the news sunk in, Jack told his parents that he wanted to give up his opportunity to skate with the Canucks so his buddy and teammate, Brett Cerrutti, could have the chance instead. Brett had just returned home to Summerland after spending some time in the Children’s Hospital in Vancouver battling a rare disease.



While keeping this big secret from his buddy, Jack, his dad Scott, Brett and Brett’s dad traveled to Rogers Arena. Once they arrived, Jack told the news to Brett. “Brett, I’m giving you the chance to skate with the Canucks instead of me.” Brett was stunned at first and then realized he didn’t have his gear with him to skate on the ice. “Actually, it’s in my hockey bag,” Jack told him. “It is?” Brett questioned and confused on how it got there. “Yah. Your mom dropped it off last night and we brought it down.” And with that, Brett headed to get suited up for his big moment!



Although Brett had his big moment on the ice, Jack had his off the ice. Watching his friend live out what every kid dreams of doing, was something special he will never forget. “I knew when I made the decision that I was doing the right thing.” “I felt like I wasn’t even alive. It’s crazy,” Brett said after he got off the ice. “I thought I woke up from a dream.”



Fast forward a few months to the BC Hockey Awards Banquet where Jack was awarded with the prestigious President’s Award.



There was not a dry eye in the house after the video played at the BC Hockey Awards Gala. The crowd rose to their feet, holding tissues to their face as Jack approached the stage with confidence and a huge smile on his face. BC Hockey President, Randy Henderson, welcomed Jack to the stage and said a few words before presenting him with the prestigious honour. “I could not be more proud to present this young man this award. You have earned the respect and admiration of your peers and the entire membership of BC Hockey. You and your family should be very proud.”

Without skipping a beat, Jack read his acceptance speech like a pro. “I am very humbled and honoured to receive this award. I did not expect any of this to happen. I just wanted Brett to have the opportunity to live out his dream.” The crowd rose to their feet once more, still using tissues to dry their cheeks. After the awards were presented, Jack and his family were the talk of the banquet as many members and executive stopped by their table to pass along their congratulatory wishes.



Jack was selected for the President’s Award for his selfless act of kindness and generosity. At such a young age, he already knows the value of being humble and grateful and the true meaning of friendship, sportsmanship and comradery.



The President’s Award is given to an individual, team, league or association that has brought honour to amateur hockey through an outstanding humanitarian endeavor. Past winners include the Juan de Fuca (2014), Sunshine Coast (2013) and Kelowna Minor Hockey Associations (2012) and the Aldergrove Warriors Atom C3 team (2011). This is the first year since 2010 (Bruce Tuck) that an individual has been awarded this award. Congratulations Jack!