Senior Spencer Vanbeek is a captain of the Albert Lea High School hockey team. This January, he had the honor of receiving the Minnesota Wild West Bend Hockey Spotlight Award. Only 10 people living in Minnesota have received this award. It all began when his mother entered his information to the Minnesota Wild.
He had no idea that she did that and was even more surprised when she told him he had won an award. Vanbeek was proud of his accomplishment and leadership qualities that got him to this point.
“First, I was kinda skeptical… Once I figured out it was real I was really excited and proud of myself that I achieved that,” said Vanbeek.
Vanbeek has been playing hockey since he was nine years old. He would watch the Minnesota Wild Hockey Team on the T.V. and has even been to some of their hockey games. Hockey has helped shape not only who he is as a person and leader, but also his relationships that he will carry with him the rest of his life.
“Since I was a little kid, growing up with the people in hockey it really helped me form a lot of friendships and relationships with people,” said Vanbeek.
The Minnesota Wild West Bend Hockey Spotlight Award honors two high school hockey captains per month, November through March. Candidates are chosen by the following criteria: demonstrates a passion for the sport of hockey, exemplifies leadership and hard work on the ice and in the classroom, contributes to their local community, goes above and beyond to help create a greater State of Hockey
Vanbeek said, “I try to pick up my teammates up when they fall… I think a leader should be selfless and always there to help others.”