The Coaches' Club is back for 2012-13!

Winterhawks players range in age from 16-20, and every night these young men step on the ice and seek to inspire their teammates and inspire the fans.

Inspiration is the key trait the Winterhawks are looking for as part of a program called the Coaches’ Club, designed to reward Portland-area youths who are achieving great things and inspiring others in their own lives.

Winterhawks coaches have designated a suite at 10 home games in the Rose Garden this season to local kids and teens who are inspiring others through their actions, courage and initiative.

Suites will include snacks and refreshments, and will be hosted by the wives of Winterhawks coaches and management.

We know that every day there are youths in Portland working hard to inspire others, and we want to hear those stories. That inspiration can come in many forms, including:

• Inspiring through their actions
• Inspiring through their courage
• Inspiring through their initiative

To nominate someone you think fits the bill, fill out this form and send to grahamk@winterhawks.com (Please put “Coaches Club” in the subject line of the email).

Winners also get to meet Hawks players who aren't in that night's lineup- check out some of this season's winners:

Sept. 29: Columbia River Miracle League baseball players:

Sept. 28: Special Olympics athletes:

2011-12 SEASON:

Feb. 28: Winter Vinecki, founder of teamwinter.org:

Feb. 24: Athletes from Special Olympics Oregon

Jan. 16: Julien Leitner, founder of Archimedes Alliance.

Jan. 13: Members of the Inukai Boys & Girls Club's Triple Play Leadership program.

Jan. 6: Jr. Hawk player Austen Potter, recovering from heart surgery.

Dec. 30: Mitchell Lammert, cancer survivor who organized a blood drive

Dec. 2: Thai Curtis, active in student government and community outreach