Hometown Boy will Serve as Upper Deck’s Draft Runner for 2012 NHL Draft in Pittsburgh, PA

In an effort to engage younger collectors and hockey fans, Upper Deck recently announced a promotion where one lucky fan could win the opportunity to serve as Upper Deck’s NHL Draft Runner at the 2012 NHL Draft. Participants needed to send in an essay as to why they felt they should be Upper Deck’s NHL Draft Runner. Participants could also nominate a kid they felt was deserving of this unique opportunity. And that was what happened with Salvatore Cerilli from North Huntington, PA as his mother sent in the following submission on his behalf.

2012-Upper-Deck-NHL-Draft-Runner-Kid-Salvatore-Cerilli-Tornado — Tornadoes in the PA area did a lot of damage as you can see here. Salvatore was at home when one struck, but fortunately was not physically harmed.

2012-Upper-Deck-NHL-Draft-Runner-Kid-Salvatore-Cerilli-Entry-2

Salvatore with his younger brother Dominick on the ice after a big win!

Salvatore weaving his way through defenders with the puck.

Upper Deck poured through the submissions received through the company’s participating retail partners in the area and while there were plenty of deserving kids, Salvatore’s story definitely stuck out. Upper Deck is very pleased to award Salvatore Cerilli with this very special opportunity where he will work with a NHL team on the floor throughout the 2012 NHL Draft serving as an assistant to the team. While Sal likely will not have much say in which players the team picks, he will have an amazing opportunity to go behind the curtain to see what the draft process is like for a NHL franchise.

“Thank you Upper Deck and Steel City Collectibles for this once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of the 2012 NHL Draft in my hometown, Pittsburgh, PA,” said Salvatore Cerilli. “My favorite thing in this world, other than my family, is hockey. I can’t wait to be in the same room with the future NHL stars of tomorrow. This is a dream come true!!!”

One happy kid: Salvatore after hearing the news from his parents that he would be Upper Deck's 2012 NHL Draft Runner.

Thank you Sal! We know you will represent us well and we are so happy to bring a hockey fan like you closer to the game you love!

Sal recently appeared on Cardboard Connection Radio to talk about his participation in the event. Take a listen by clicking HERE. And to check out a story the Tribune did on Sal, click HERE.