2021 | North Carolina | BOYS

Polar Ice House | Hurricanes | BOYS

Dear selection committee,

Trace Buckner has been on my teams for six seasons. I can’t think of a practice or game when he hasn’t had a good attitude. That shows enormous character and consistency considering the length of time I have known him. In addition, he always works hard, thinks of the team first and makes the most of his situations. Let me share some examples. Four years ago his local hockey organization did not have a team at his level, he didn’t stop playing but instead traveled further to continue playing in another organization. Another example was when a new player joined our team mid-season and didn’t have the proper colored socks his first game. The player asked the team in the locker room if anyone had any he can use, Trace spoke up without hesitation and gave the player a spare set of socks and said he could keep them. Finally, Trace may be the most coachable of all the players I have coached. I can always depend on him being in the right place at the right time, pressuring the puck carrier and back checking. All things I stressed over the years. Trace is highly deserving of this award. I only regret that, due to COVID-19, he will not get to be honored on the ice of his favorite hockey team, the Carolina Hurricanes.

Sincerely,
Randy Richter