The game of hockey has provided many teachable moments and some equally valuable life lessons. In addition to the on-ice experiences and enjoyment, Hockey Manitoba also recognizes the importance of a strong educational foundation, and each year awards twenty (20) post-secondary scholarships to graduating student member athletes. In an effort to continue to acknowledge outstanding contributions, Hockey Manitoba has chosen to name many of its scholarships after the following outstanding members to leave a lasting legacy in their honor.
ORVILLE ACRES MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (Female Recipient) – $1,000
The name Orville Acres was synonymous with women’s hockey in Manitoba and throughout Canada. He was a player, coach, official, administrator and promoter who played a major role in the development of hockey throughout the province for over 40 years. Orville Acres devoted a lifetime to promoting, developing, organizing and improving amateur hockey in Manitoba. Orville earned the respect of his peers and was a highly visible member of the women’s hockey program in the province. As a model hockey builder, he touched the lives of many people, guided many gifted athletes, coaches and officials alike. Fairness in sport was his guiding principal. A true ambassador to the sport, Orville Acres exemplified the leadership qualities and has made significant contributions to the advancement of female hockey in Canada.
2019 – 2020 Recipient: Hayley Johnson
Hayley is from Winnipeg and played this past season for the Winnipeg Avros Female U18 AAA team. Hayley maintained a high academic average throughout her four years at River East Collegiate with no mark below 90%. She has been accepted into Trinity Western University in British Columbia where she plans on studying Environmental Studies (B.Sc.) and playing for the female hockey team.
BILL ADDISON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $750
Originally from Carberry, Manitoba, Addison was the president of the Manitoba Amateur Hockey Association from 1967 – 1970 and served as commissioner of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League for more than two decades. He was also a founding member of the Manitoba Sports Federation. Mr. Addison received an award from the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association to recognize his contributions to the growth of amateur hockey and was also presented with a Manitoba Gold Medal for outstanding community service by then Sport Minister Jim Ernst. Bill managed the last Manitoba team to win the Memorial Cup, the Winnipeg Braves hockey team, in 1958-1959 and in 1985, Addison was inducted into the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame.
2019 – 2020 Recipient: Jillian Szabo
Jillian is from Brandon and played this past season for the Westman Wildcats Female U18 AAA team. Over the last few years, Jillian has been involved in numerous community events while balancing her hockey development and maintaining a 93% average at École secondaire Neelin High School. Jillian will attend either Brandon University or the University of Calgary in the fall.
GEORGE ALLARD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $1,500
Born in The Pas, George was an outstanding goalkeeper during his playing years. He organized and played for Flin Flon Intermediates, the National AA champions in 1965. There he was a player, volunteer coach/manager from 1956-1967. He was manager of the Flin Flon Junior Bombers for three years and a scout for the New York Rangers. George served as the Hockey Manitoba Executive Director for three decades. He was also Secretary-Treasurer of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League from 1967-1977. Awarded the Hockey Canada Order of Merit in 1985, he also served on committees such as the first World Junior Championships and the Government of Canada Hockey Review. George’s impact on the game in truly difficult to measure.
2019 – 2020 Recipient: Sydni Bird
Sydni is from Winnipeg and for the past two years she has captained the Winnipeg Ice Female U18 AAA hockey team. Sydni maintained a 97% average for the past three years at St. Mary’s Academy and outside of the class, she has volunteered her time with Special Olympics Manitoba as well as being an assistant coach. This coming fall, Sydni will attend Dalhousie University and will play for their female hockey team.
RALPH BORGER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $750
Ralph served 38 years as a Builder and Administrator in Minor and Junior hockey for Hockey Manitoba and Hockey Canada. He also served as a Director of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame and Museum and on the Board of Directors of the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. He owned and administered the Manitoba Junior Hockey League’s St. Boniface Saints Hockey Club for 28 years. Ralph was extremely proud of the positive role and influence it had on the lives of many young men in hockey who went on to successful and fulfilling careers. Ralph was known as the ultimate fundraiser. He raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for minor and junior hockey in Manitoba. He received various awards for his contributions to hockey including being named Volunteer of the Millennium by Hockey Manitoba followed by his induction in 2005 into the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame. Ralph was further honored as a Life Member of Hockey Manitoba.
2019 – 2020 Recipient: Jade Smith
Jade is from Belmont and this past season she played for the Souris Elks Female U18 team. Jade maintained an A+ average at Baldur High School and scored 100% on her Grade 12 Provincial ELA exam. She was the co-president of her high school student council and devoted many extra hours of her time organizing and planning events. Jade will attend Brandon University in the fall where she plans on studying Biology (B.Sc.).
BOB CALDWELL SCHOLARSHIP – $750
Bob played hockey for the University of Brandon before getting heavily involved in the coaching aspect of the game. In his local community of Deloraine, MB he established a sport development fund in order to subsidize costs and bring instruction to the kids rather than having to send them to other communities. He also operated the on-ice portion of the Breakfast Club twice a week which allows players from Atom – Midget to work on skating and puck handling skills. Bob is the Chair of the Athlete Development Committee for Hockey Manitoba and has been involved with the selection of coaches for Hockey Manitoba’s Provincial teams. In addition, he is Hockey Manitoba’s master mentor and the true driving force behind the branch Coach Mentorship program. He has spent countless hours on and off the ice with young coaches across the province and somehow has managed to facilitate over 90% of the 35+ specialty clinics each year. These clinics, which have proven to be a tremendous resource for many communities, were Bob’s creation and have since been further developed by Hockey Canada across the country. Bob also serves as Chair of the Coach Advisory Board for Coaching Manitoba. His dedication to improving coaches and coaching tactics has been beneficial not only to our coaching community but also to those players that prosper as a result. Bob’s tireless efforts and hard work have made him an incredible asset to Hockey Manitoba and Hockey Canada.
2019 – 2020 Recipient: Tessa Odell
Tessa is from Glenora and for the past three years she played for the Pembina Valley Hawks Female U18 AAA team. Tessa was on the Honour Roll – with distinction every year she attended Pilot Mound Collegiate Institute and achieved many academic awards. Tessa volunteered her time as a student council member as well as being part of her school’s peer helper program. Tessa will attend the University of Manitoba this coming fall and plans on studying Kinesiology.
ALBERT E. HORSEMAH “ABBIE” COO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $750
Abbie was born in Teeswater, Ontario in 1885 and after serving in World War 1, in which he was awarded the Military Cross for bravery, he worked for the Manitoba Amateur Hockey Association for 45 years. From 1918 to 1963 he was on the Executive and served as President from 1924 to 1927. He would act as President again from 1934 to 1937, and once more from 1942 to 1946. He spent fifteen years as an Executive Member, seventeen years as the Secretary-Manager and thirteen years as President. A long-time newspaper executive with the Winnipeg Free Press, Abbie Coo was a fixture in the boardrooms of amateur hockey.
2019 – 2020 Recipient: Andrew Dyck
Andrew is from Altona and played the past three seasons for the W.C Miller Collegiate Aces, serving as an alternate captain during the 2019 – 2020 season. Andrew likes to play a variety of sports including soccer, track and field, cross country and badminton. Andrew was one of his school’s top students across all of his courses, and his marks were in the mid to high 90s. Andrew will attend the University of Manitoba this fall and plans on pursuing a degree in Science.
TODD DAVISON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $1,000
Todd played the game of hockey with tremendous speed and a big heart, never letting size limit his ability to compete. A feisty forward in the WHL and with the Lloydminster Blazers of the AJHL, he always played the game with intensity. Todd was also assistant captain for Team Manitoba at the 2003 Canada Winter Games in Campbellton – Bathhurst, NB and named Team Manitoba’s honorary captain for the 2007 Canada Winter Games in Whitehorse, YK. He was very well respected by his team mates and achieved success on and off the ice through his hard work, determination and passion for life. In June 2004, two days after graduating from St. Paul’s High School, Todd was diagnosed with Synovial Sarcoma, a rare form of cancer. Todd applied his trademark perseverance and limitless spirit not only to his personal battle with cancer, but also to a larger goal, the fight to end cancer. Inspired by the positive attitude and inspirational work of people such as Lyle Bauer and Mario Lemieux who also faced and conquered this dreadful disease, Todd strived to make a difference. Todd lost his fight with cancer in December 2006, but his commitment to make a difference continues to inspire. Hockey Manitoba recognizes Todd’s tremendous, unselfish commitment to the game and has established a scholarship in his name to continue his legacy.
2019 – 2020 Recipient: Jena Barscello
Jena is from Brandon and played the past five seasons for the Yellowhead Chiefs Female AAA team, serving as captain during the 2019 – 2020 season. Jena was on the Honour Roll for four years at École secondaire Neelin High School and maintained a 97 average in her Grade 12 year. Jena has volunteered her time to tutor at the Neelin Tutoring Centre and loves coaching the Junior Chiefs kids hockey camps. Jena will begin her USport hockey career with the University of Manitoba Bisons in the fall of 2020.
R.A. “SAM” FABRO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $750
Born in Udine, Italy, Sam Fabro moved to Winnipeg as a child and played with the 1941 Memorial Cup winning Winnipeg Rangers. He was one of the founders and first Chairman of the Manitoba Hockey Players Foundation in 1967 and was a leader in the creation of the Hockey Hall of Fame & Museum in 1985. Fabro was also a huge influence and instrumental builder in more than just hockey. The Chair of the 1974 Winter and 1978 Summer Games, Fabro was a co-founder of the Manitoba Marathon and Canoeathon and Chair of the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame. He was President of the Manitoba Baseball Association from 1968 – 1969, Chairman for the Manitoba Games from 1974 – 1978, and vice chairman of the Wildlife Foundation of Manitoba. Ronald A. “Sam” Fabro was admitted to the Order of Canada in 1975 and will be turning 95 in December.
2019 – 2020 Recipient: Bryan Hanna
Bryan is from Winnipeg and played this past season for the St. Paul’s High School Crusaders in the Winnipeg High School Hockey League. Bryan was on the Gold Honour Roll (a 90% or better average) each of his terms at St. Paul’s High School and maintained an impressive 96% average in his Grade 12 academic year. Bryan was also on the St. Paul’s golf team and volunteered extensively with Laidlaw School and Canford Sports. Bryan will attend the University of Manitoba this fall where he will study Business.
JACK FORSYTH MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $1,000
From Hartney, Jack was actively involved in the game for over six decades serving the game as a player, coach, official and administrator. He was an educator who served both as a teacher and principal in rural schools across south western Manitoba. He helped found the AAA Midget Hockey League and served as the Secretary and President of the South West Hockey League. Jack also served on the Hockey Manitoba Board of Directors for many years, (including President from 2001-2004) and on the Hockey Canada Board of Directors from 2001-2007; the final three years as the National Chair of Minor Hockey. In 2008 Jack was awarded the Hockey Canada Order of Merit. Jack is recognized as a Life Member of Hockey Manitoba and also served as the Commissioner of the Manitoba Midget AAA Hockey League for over 20 years. Jack’s determination and dedication to advancing the game will have an impact for generations.
2019 – 2020 Recipient: Toni Koshowski
Toni is from Dauphin and played the last three seasons for the Yellowhead Chiefs Female U18 AAA hockey team. Toni is an exceptional student who maintained a 98% average in her grade 12 year at Dauphin Regional Comprehensive Secondary School. Toni is a multi-sport athlete who plays rugby and soccer. Toni will attend either the University of Calgary or the University of Regina in the fall where she will pursue her Bachelor of Science degree.
TRUDY GALLOWAY MEMORIAL BURSARY – $750
This bursary assists a young official who aspires to a post-secondary education within Manitoba. In order to qualify for the bursary, the candidate must have officiated in Manitoba during the past season and have secured a letter of recommendation from both their High School Principal and Referee-in-Chief. Ryan Galloway provides the bursary in honor of his mother, Trudy Galloway. Ryan is a Manitoban who has worked as an official in the MMJHL, MJHL and the WHL. Ryan has officiated in the professional ranks of both the IHL and AHL, and currently works as a linesman for the NHL, having amassed over 1000 games to date. Ryan’s ongoing contributions to Hockey Manitoba’s officiating program are a testament to his integrity, character and professionalism.
2019 – 2020 Recipient: Lauren Fox
Lauren is a Level III official from Creighton who has been officiating for five years. She has officiated at various levels of hockey from house league, to Under-15 AAA, to working a Flin Flon Bombers (SJHL) intersquad game. Lauren has been asked by other minor hockey associations in the Norman region to work games and has been a role model for other young female officials. Lauren is an outstanding student who maintained a 97.5% average in her Grade 12 year at Creighton Community School. Lauren will attend the University of Alberta – Augustana campus this coming fall where she will study science.
IAN HEATHER SCHOLARSHIP – $750
Ian Heather was referee-in-chief the Winnipeg Minor Hockey Association from 1973 – 1978, the Winnipeg High School League from 1987 – 1994 and the Hockey Manitoba referee-in-chief from 2002 – 2011. Ian also served as the supervisor of officials for the 2003 CIS women’s championship, the 2005 Royal Bank Cup and was heavily involved in the 2002 Under-17 tournament in Stonewall/Selkirk, the 2009 Allan and TELUS Cups in Manitoba and finally the World Under-17 championship in Winnipeg in 2011. Ian played a significant role in the development of current NHL Manitoba officials Rob Martell, Vaughan Rody and Ryan Galloway, and as an instructor and national supervisor, he has also had a hand in guiding other Canadian officials who have achieved success in making it to the NHL. Ian Heather is a member of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame, and was the recipient of the Hockey Canada Officiating Award in 2010. Ian is a retired teacher who has since taken on a position in the penalty box crew of the NHL Off-ice Officiating Department for Winnipeg Jets games.
2019 – 2020 Recipient: Kate Bumstead
Kate is from Headingley and played the last four years for the St. Mary’s Academy Flames Prep team and never missed a single game (207 games). During her time with St. Mary’s, Kate mentored the younger players and volunteered within the community, including delivering food and clothing to local charity groups. During her Grade 12 year at St. Mary’s, Kate achieved a 93% average. Kate has been accepted into Trinity Western University in British Columbia where she plans on studying Education and will play for the female hockey team.
NICK HILL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $1,000
Nick Hill played minor hockey in Winnipeg’s North End, Junior hockey for the Port Author Bruins, had a short bout with the Boston Bruins organization and ended up playing for Milwaukee in the IHL. Nick returned to Winnipeg and launched a career in sales and founded Kern-Hill Furniture Co-op, coining the phrase “C’mon Down!”. Nick’s passion for the game of hockey was second to none. He coached all levels of hockey in Manitoba. Team and player development was a very important part of his coaching philosophy. He was one of the original founders of AAA hockey in the city, and he felt that Winnipeg needed tiered hockey in order to compete with the larger cities across Canada. Whether it was coaching community club, AAA, Junior or Senior hockey in Manitoba, Nick was a fierce competitor in everything he did. He always made time to assist or advise the many players and coaches he spoke to until the last few days of his life.
2019 – 2020 Recipient: Xavier Champagne
Xavier is from Winnipeg and played the last two seasons for the Centre scolaire Léo-Rémillard high school hockey team. Xavier was the president of the school association and was also crowned “Champion Canadien d’art oratoire”, a national French Public-speaking contest. Xavier maintained a 94% average in Grade 12 while serving a second term as Prime Minister for the Parliament jeunesse franco-manitobain (PJFM). In addition to hockey, Xavier participated with the school’s volleyball, badminton, soccer, hockey and golf teams. Xavier will attend the University of Ottawa this coming fall, where he will pursue a Bachelor of Commerce/Juris Doctor.
JERRY KRUK MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $1,000
Jerry was a long time member of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame Board of Directors prior to losing his battle with cancer in 2012. Jerry played his youth hockey in Winnipeg’s north end and was a member of the last Winnipeg based team to win the Memorial Cup, the 1957 Winnipeg Braves. Jerry went on to graduate from the University of Manitoba with a degree in Engineering. He was a great contributor to the Winnipeg business community through his association with Intercity Gas Company and latterly as the CEO of CAA Manitoba.
2019 – 2020 Recipient: Noah Silvaggio
Noah is a goalie from Winnipeg who played the last four seasons for the St. John’s Ravenscourt high school hockey team. Noah has faced adversity his entire life, having been rushed to the hospital at 11 years old, in critical condition with severe diabetic ketoacidosis. Noah was subsequently diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes. Noah has been a Youth Ambassador with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation for the last five years and has raised and donated over $50,000. Noah maintained a 95% average in his Grade 12 year while balancing a busy extracurricular schedule. Noah will attend the University of Manitoba this coming fall where he will study sciences.
SHELDON LANCHBERY SCHOLARSHIP – $750
Sheldon served as the President of both Hockey Manitoba and Hockey Canada. He was elected to the Chair of the Canadian Hockey Association’s Board of Directors in 2001 and a member since 1994 while serving as a CHA Officer since 1996. He served as the chairman of the Mentorship Committee and was instrumental in the formation and development of the CHA Coach Mentorship program in 2000. Sheldon’s vision, leadership and legal acumen was a guiding light in the adoption of a variety of programs and structure of both branch and national programs. As President of Hockey Manitoba, Lanchbery spearheaded the CHA ‘’Speak Out’ program as the chairman of the Harassment and Abuse Prevention Committee. Sheldon was appointed to her majesty’s Courts of Bench in June 2013 and is a native of Deloraine, Manitoba.
2019 – 2020 Recipient: Bryson Loewen
Bryson is from Altona and played the last three seasons for the W.C Miller Collegiate Aces in the Manitoba High School Hockey League, serving as an alternate captain for the 2018 – 2019 season and as captain for the 2019 – 2020 season. He is an exceptional student and had marks in the mid to high 90s across all of his Grade 11 and Grade 12 courses. Bryson was a student-mentor with the Hockey Academy program at W.C. Miller Collegiate and also helped out with the local hockey skills club where he worked mostly with elementary-aged players. Bryson will attend the University of Manitoba this coming fall and will study sciences.
BUCK MATIOWSKI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $750
Matiowski was a trailblazer for several hockey firsts in Manitoba such as organizing the first-ever provincial women’s hockey tournament in 1955 and founding Western Manitoba’s first summer hockey school in Brandon in 1967. Buck also served as President of the Manitoba Amateur Hockey Association in 1984 – 1985. He coached and operated women’s hockey in the rural communities of Shoal Lake and Bisset and in 1968 wrote a groundbreaking report called “Task Force on Hockey Violence” for use by the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association. In 1976 he introduced a new plan to divide the province into regions for the organization of amateur hockey, a system that is still used to this day. An author and innovator, Buck’s forward-thinking has left a significant and positive mark on the game in Manitoba and his contribution is both significant, lasting and important in the development of hockey in our Province.
2019 – 2020 Recipient: Rylee Zalischuk
Rylee is from Dauphin and played this past season for the Neepawa Female U18 hockey team. Rylee is an outstanding student who maintained a 96% average at Dauphin Regional Comprehensive Secondary School while balancing a busy extracurricular schedule. For the past two years, Rylee has assisted in coaching tryouts for the Parkland Female U15 AAA team and last year she worked as an ambassador when Rogers Hometown Hockey came to Dauphin. Rylee will be attending Brandon University this coming fall and after three years she plans on attending Waterloo University to obtain her degree in Optometry.
JIM STIRLING MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – 2 x $500
B.F Lorenzetti is the insurance provider for Hockey Canada and its Branches. One of their objectives is to assist in the funding of young athletes and officials. In an effort to honor the contributions of long serving BFL colleague and friend Jim Stirling who passed away in 2013, BFL Canada has decided to change the name of the BFL Canada Risk and Insurance Scholarship program to the Jim Stirling Scholarship Program donated by BFL Canada.
2019 – 2020 Recipient: Morgan Sproule
Morgan is from Winnipeg and played this past season for the St. Vital Chill Female Under-18 A1 team. Morgan is a strong student who was on the honour roll at St. Mary’s Academy every year for the last three years. During that time, Morgan has volunteered at the Winrose Animal Hospital and was also a dedicated member of her school’s rugby team. Morgan will attend the University of Manitoba this coming fall where she will pursue a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.
2019 – 2020 Recipient: Carter Donnick
Carter is from Winnipeg and played the past two seasons for the Fort Richmond Collegiate Centurions, serving as alternate captain during the 2019 – 2020 season. Carter is an accomplished student who achieved an 89% average in Grade 12. Carter is passionate about writing and the NFL and co-hosts a weekly sports radio program on 101.5 UMFM. Carter will attend the University of Manitoba in the fall where he plans on studying kinesiology and recreation management.
W. F. TAYLOR MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $750
Born in Campbellford, Ontario, Dr. Taylor was an excellent administrator and one of the pioneer builders of hockey not only in this province, but also in the country. The first organization to deal with the administration and development of hockey in Canada was the Amateur Hockey Association of Canada, which was organized on December 8th, 1886. Over time, other organizations in Canada came into existence and on December 4th, 1914, the first meeting to provide for a national body was held +-in the Chateau Laurier, Ottawa. The impetus for a national organization came from a group of men in Winnipeg, one of which was Dr. W. F. Taylor, representing the Manitoba Hockey Association. Taylor was selected as the first President for both the national and provincial organizations that governed amateur hockey and planted the seeds for growth and direction of the game in our country over 100 years ago.
2019 – 2020 Recipient: Jamie Waddell
Jamie is from Hamiota and played the past three seasons for the Hamiota Collegiate Institute Huskies in the Westman High School Hockey League. Jamie is an outstanding student, who maintained a 96% average in his Grade 12 year. Jamie sat on his school’s student council as the Grade 12 room representative and was a member of the schools’ Youth in Philanthropy Committee for two years. Jamie is a multi-sport athlete who plays football, baseball, volleyball and golf. Jamie will attend the University of British Columbia in the fall where he will study Applied Science.
DIANNE WOODS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $750
From Winnipeg, the daughter of a sporting family, Woods spent years filling volunteer and leadership roles in the hockey world. Dianne served as Executive Director of Hockey Winnipeg for 15 years, and worked tirelessly and unselfishly in order to grow the sport. In what may be one of her most enduring legacies, she long championed creating new hockey opportunities for girls and women. She also helped lead many efforts to make sports more accessible to low-income families, and created a Player Assistance Fund that remains today. Dianne passed away suddenly in 2011 and the Fund was renamed in her honor. A very popular and warm hearted woman, Dianne always championed improvements and opportunities for members and was a trailblazer for the advancement of the game.
2019 – 2020 Recipient: Taylor Kristjanson
Taylor is from Stonewall and played the past two seasons for the Interlake Lightning Female U18 AAA team, serving as captain during the 2019 – 2020 season. Taylor maintained a 92% average in her Grade 12 year at Stonewall Collegiate Institute and was a valuable member of the school’s Link Leader program that helps Grade 9 students transition into high school. Taylor will attend Brandon University in the fall where she will be pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing degree.
CANAD INNS SCHOLARSHIP – $750
As an official partner, and host hotel of Hockey Manitoba, Canad Inns generously provides an annual scholarship to a graduating Hockey Manitoba member pursuing post-secondary education.
2019 – 2020 Recipient: Alexander Senden
Alexander is from East St. Paul and played this past season for the River East Collegiate Kodiaks. Alexander is an outstanding student who maintained an average of 98% in his Grade 12 year. He represented his high school in multiple capacities, at Computer Science and Mathematics competitions as well as on the golf team. Alexander will attend the University of Manitoba in the fall where he will pursue a degree in Computer Science, specifically the Software Engineering stream.
