Sports are the source of many great memories for players and spectators alike. None were more deserving of a great memory than Janet Dixon’s freshman class. Dixon is a season ticket holder of the Carolina Hurricanes and loves watching hockey. Dixon’s goal was to reward her class for all their hard work by taking them to a Hurricanes game on January 30 against the St. Louis Blues at the PNC Arena.

For Dixon’s plan to work out, she needed some help. Help came in a big time way. Cam Ward, the starting goalie for the Hurricanes, has a program that provides an all expenses paid, once in a lifetime experience at a Carolina Hurricanes game.

“It makes you feel important,” said Jabree Harris, one of Dixon’s students.

Harris and his classmates all expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the organization.

Since Dixon is a season ticket holder, and frequently attends the Hurricanes home games, she was familiar with Cam’s Champs. Cam’s Champs is a program put together by Hurricanes starting goalie Cam Ward. It gives kids that normally wouldn’t have the opportunity to attend a hockey game, box seats at PNC arena.

Certain teams, classes, and clubs can all apply for the Cam’s Champs experience, however, Dixon had an advantage over these applicants. Dixon credits her season tickets for receiving this great experience with her class.

“Because of having season tickets I knew who to talk to,” said Dixon.

Groups watching in the Cam’s Champs box are treated to all you can eat popcorn, snacks, and drinks. Groups are also accompanied by Storm Squad cheerleaders and make an appearance on the PNC Arena jumbotron.  The Cam’s Champs program graciously provide these drinks and snacks to achieve their primary goal; providing a fun night of hockey to kids.

But, before Dixon’s students could show the PNC Arena what the W is all about, her class needed to perform. The game was meant to be something for the students to strive for–a reward for their hard work.

“The whole idea was an incentive,” said Dixon. “[The students] had to pass all their classes from first semester and there had to be no ISS and no ALC.”

Students appreciated the fact that the game was something they had to earn, and the reward system was a success. None of Dixon’s students were sent to ISS or ALC the entire semester, making the reward so much sweeter.

“I feel like my work has paid off,” said Shiloh Justice

Dixon plans on making the Hurricanes game an annual event for her classes after this year’s success; thus growing the Canes’ fanbase exponentially.

“Everything was amazing,” said Dixon. “I couldn’t have planned it any better.”