Austin MaCarthy: 2009 SportsKid of the Year

Thanks to thousands of votes from SIKids.com readers, you helped make hockey star Austin McCarthy the SportsKid of the Year! Our camera-crew was on the scene when Austin received the good news, capturing the event as it happened. Keep clicking to check out photos from Austin's big day!Austin is on the cover of the December 2009 issue of SI Kids and got a sweet jacket. Just a few of the perks that come with being the SportsKid of the Year.

Here, Austin is interviewed prior to an appearance on the CBS Early Show. He still didn't know if he was the winner at this point, a secret kept by his whole family, including his mother Erica, sitting to his left.

Austin was pretty nervous before appearing on national TV with his parents and younger brother. But on the ice Austin is always focused. "Before a game I'm confident. I don't really get nervous," he says.

Austin got the surprise of his life when SI Kids editor Bob Der told him live on the CBS Early Show that he was the 2009 SKOTY.

After the show, and a few more pictures, Austin got the chance to visit the SI Kids office.

Austin's new jacket was just the right fit since he could still wear his hockey sweater underneath.

Coming from a small town didn't stop Austin from dominating in the SKOTY vote. Everyone in Ludington, Michigan supported Austin, and local businesses made sure to congratulate him after his big win.

Austin scored 338 goals over the last three seasons.

On the ice is where Austin is at home. "If I could I'd be at the rink every day. I would love it if there was hockey class in school," he says.

Austin lives in Michigan but he's a diehard Pittsburgh Penguins fan. His room is painted black and gold and covered in Penguins posters.