Editor's note: We asked readers why they deserved to win a 15-person suite to see the Avalanche play the Nashville Predators in January. Here is one response. The winner will be announced in December.

"SEE MOM, NOW I WILL NEVER GET TO GO, LIKE DAD PROMISED".

The words as spoken last winter by 10-year old Seth Smith who happens to love hockey, football, basketball and baseball.  

"Dad" promised I could participate in these activities and that "dad" would take me to school, college and professional sports activities and help me participate in these activites in my age group. Dad was to teach me things about these sports.  Dad would have been a great mentor because he was very athletic himself.

I spend the summer at my grandparents home and get to play in little league baseball.  Their home is 4 hours drive away from here and grandpa and grandma can't be here to help me with other sports or take me to any sporting events in the Denver area.

There was no hockey or football this fall because I was back at home and there was nobody to help me travel to or participate in any sports.

My "participation" is  now limited to activities at recess in school, shooting hoops on the driveway and what I get to see on TV.

Why? Because I am now a "latchkey kid".  Mom is now single and  works 40 hours per week.  You see, Dad died unexpectedly December 12, 2004 at the age of 36.