The game of hockey provides many teachable moments and some equally valuable life lessons. In addition to the on-ice experiences and enjoyment, Hockey Manitoba and its partners recognize 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 is 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.
2022 – 2023 Recipient: Sophia Anderson
Sophia is from Glenboro and played this past season for the Westman Wildcats U18 AAA. Sophia is a strong student and citizen of both her school and her community. She maintained a 95 per cent average in her Grade 12 year at Glenboro School despite her grueling hockey schedule. In her final season with the Westman Wildcats, Sophia was selected as captain by her teammates and she recently competed for Team Manitoba at the 2023 NAHC (National Aboriginal Hockey Championship), winning a silver medal. Sophia is an active volunteer in the community, having given her time as an assistant instructor with Glenboro Minor Hockey and as an assistant coach on a girls’ softball team. She also volunteers at the Glenboro Community Food Bank. Sophia has committed to attend the University of Manitoba in the fall of 2023, and will play on the women’s hockey team. She will pursue a Bachelor of Science Degree.
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.
2022 – 2023 Recipient: Lucas Goldenberg
Lucas is from Winnipeg and played this past season for the St. John’s Ravenscourt boys hockey team. Lucas is an excellent student who held Governor’s Honour Roll standing in his Grade 12 year. On the ice, Lucas is a goaltender who consistently demonstrates a high level of skill, determination and sportsmanship. Lucas was injured for the majority of the 2022 – 2023 season but remained an essential part of his team’s culture and success. Off the ice, Lucas took an active role in organizing team events and community service projects. Lucas organized a food drive with the Women’s Resource Centre and has volunteered for Manitoba Harvest, Special Olympics Manitoba, and the Gwen Sector Creative Living Centre. Lucas will attend the University of Manitoba in the fall of 2023. He will pursue a Bachelor of Commerce degree.
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.
2022 – 2023 Recipient: Jordyn Espenell
Jordyn is from Winnipeg and played this past season for the St. Mary’s Academy Flames prep team. Jordyn demonstrated a high degree of academic excellence during her years at St. Mary’s Academy. She consistently maintained the highest academic standing for her grade level and her dedication to her studies is proof positive that she seeks to excel. Jordyn exemplifies leadership beyond the classroom and is a valued role model for her teammates. For the last three years, she has worked as a goalie coach for Jets Hockey Development, working with goalies between 5 and 13 years old, teaching them new skills, providing feedback and encouragement, and forming relationships with them to foster a love for the game. Jordyn will attend either the University of Manitoba or the University of Victoria in the fall of 2023 to pursue a Mechanical Engineering degree.
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.
2022 – 2023 Recipient: Ella Stewner
Ella is from East St. Paul and played this past season for the Balmoral Hall Blazers Varsity Prep Team. Ella is an extremely hard-working student, achieving a 95 per cent average in her Grade 12 year. Ella is a compassionate individual, dedicated leader, and a wonderful role model for her teammates as well as younger students at the school. Throughout her time in school, she volunteered her time as an ambassador, camp leader, and was involved in many school community events. With her strong academic background, Ella volunteered as a tutor for her teammates and other students in different subject areas, helping them to understand challenging subjects. Ella has committed to attend the University of Alberta in the fall of 2023, and will play on the women’s hockey team. She will pursue a Bachelor of Science Degree (Biochemistry).
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, 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 U9 to U18 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. 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.
2022 – 2023 Recipient: Brett Laing
Brett is from Boissevain and played this past season for the Southwest Cougars U18 AAA. Brett is a talented, hard-working, and dedicated individual who was co-captain of his team for the 2022 – 2023 season. In addition to his scheduled classes, Brett volunteered to help support his school’s Cross-Country Ski program. While balancing a busy schedule playing hockey at the U18 AAA level, he maintained an outstanding academic standard, earning honour role with greatest distinction (97 per cent average). During his four years at Boissevain High School, Brett was involved in baseball and badminton, representing his school at provincial championships in both sports. Outside of athletics, he has also been a big part of Boissevain High School’s student government. Brett will attend Mount Royal University in the fall of 2023 to pursue a psychology degree.
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.
2022 – 2023 Recipient: Kahlen Wisener
Kahlen is from Winnipeg and played this past season for the Winnipeg Avros U18 AAA. Kahlen is an exceptional student who maintained a 95 per cent average in her Grade 12 year at Grant Park High School. Kahlen is a natural leader and was the Captain of the Avros during the 2022 – 2023 season. Kahlen was often seen at the rink an hour before practices and was usually studying or doing homework with her teammates. She was the Avros leading scorer this past season (60 points in 49 games) and represented Team Manitoba at the 2023 Canada Winter Games in Prince Edward Island. Over the past couple of years, Kahlen has been heavily involved in her community, coaching younger kids and volunteering at local soup kitchens. Kahlen has committed to attend the University of Saskatchewan in the fall of 2023, and will play on the women’s hockey team. She will pursue a Kinesiology Degree.
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 teammates 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.
2022 – 2023 Recipient: Brendan Melnic
Brendan is from Winnipeg and played this past season for the Miles Macdonell Collegiate Buckeyes in the Winnipeg High School Hockey League. Brendan is an exceptional student who maintained a 90 per cent average in his Grade 12 year. Throughout his life, Brendan has overcome many challenges but he has always maintained a positive attitude and always had good relationships with his teammates. Brendan was voted by his teammates and coaches, the winner of the Travis Price Spirit Award which honours the individual that plays for the love of the game and is a bonding agent for the team. Brendan is a positive force in his community who has volunteered his time for different organizations. Brendan has been accepted into the Journalism program at Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario.
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. He passed away in 2018.
2022 – 2023 Recipient: Dylan Bauknecht
Dylan is from Winnipeg and played this past season for the Winnipeg Bruins U18 AAA. Dylan is also a Level II official. He is a gifted student who maintained a 94 per cent average in his Grade 12 year at J.H. Bruns Collegiate. He has demonstrated the important skill of balance and management when approaching his responsibilities as a student, athlete, and volunteer. Tyler has always shown strong leadership qualities and makes time to give back to his community. He was part of a small group responsible for organizing his team’s annual volunteer work during the Christmas holidays. As an instructor with Riel Hockey Development, players tend to gravitate towards him and he has a unique ability to develop deep relationships with players of all ages. Dylan will attend the University of Manitoba in the fall of 2023 to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree.
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 southwestern Manitoba. He helped found the U18 AAA 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 U18 AAA Hockey League for over 20 years. Jack’s determination and dedication to advancing the game will have an impact for generations.
2022 – 2023 Recipient: Colter Reed
Colter is originally from Alberta, lives in Mitchell, MB and played this past season for the Mitchell Mustangs, winning a U18 B Provincial Championship. Colter is a well-rounded, exemplary student who maintained a 95% average in his Grade 12 year at Steinbach Regional Secondary School. Colter has demonstrated strong leadership qualities and an excellent work ethic, through his involvement in both the community and school. Although Colter was busy this past season with hockey and football, he found time to volunteer at his local church as well as helping members of his community with snow removal, grass cutting, and moving. Colter is an outstanding teammate who offers leadership both on and off the ice, and is always willing to help out whenever he can. Colter will attend the University of Manitoba in the fall of 2023 to pursue an Engineering 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.
2022 – 2023 Recipient: Mason Laarveld
Mason is from Winnipeg and is a Level II official for the Assiniboine Park Hockey Association and the St. James Assiniboia Minor Hockey Association. Mason played this past season for the Oak Park High School Raiders hockey team. Mason began officiating during the 2018 – 2019 season and has quickly developed into a talented official in the Manitoba U15 AAA league. Mason is an outstanding athlete, academic and individual who supports his peers both on and off the ice. He maintained a 91 per cent average in his Grade 12 year. As a leader in hockey, lacrosse, and football, Mason has dedicated much of his time towards enriching the athletic community. He spends countless hours playing sports, and was the Oak Park High School Varsity Athlete of the Year. He has also been captain and co-captain of both his hockey and football teams. Mason will attend the University of Winnipeg in the fall of 2023 to pursue an Education degree.
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.
2022 – 2023 Recipient: Ali Staples
Ali is from Winnipeg and played this past season for the Winnipeg Ice U18 AAA, winning a 2022 – 2023 Provincial Championship. Ali is an outstanding student who maintained a 98 per cent average at Collège Béliveau. Ali is a person who demonstrates respect, responsibility and a desire to give back in her daily life. She has been a leader for younger athletes by offering her time as a helper coach with the Saints AA team, volunteering for Female Hockey Day, and previously coaching the Xtreme female spring hockey team. She represented Team Manitoba at the 2023 Canada Winter Games in Prince Edward Island and was part of the leadership group on the team. Ali demonstrates leadership skills by being an active participant in her school community, modelling excellent behaviour, and helping others in many ways. Ali has committed to attend the University of Manitoba in the fall of 2023, and will play on the women’s hockey team. She will pursue a Bachelor of Engineering Degree.
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.
2022 – 2023 Recipient: Justin Anderson
Justin is from Lorette and played this past season for the Collège Gabrielle-Roy Cavaliers in the Winnipeg High School Hockey League (WHSHL), proudly wearing the C (for captain) for his team. Justin is a role model for his peers and shows great leadership qualities. Justin maintained an impressive 97 per cent average in grades 11 and 12 all while taking more advanced classes such a Pre-calculus, Chemistry, and Physics. He was also part of the improvisation team and the badminton team. When he had some free time at school during lunch, you could find him tutoring grade 9, 10 and 11 students in mathematics and sciences. Justin volunteered to help organize and participate in a pancake breakfast within the community of Ile-des-Chenes in the tradition of the annual Festival du Voyageur and has also volunteered his at Main Street Project and the Bear Clan Patrol. Justin has been accepted for direct entry into the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Manitoba for the fall of 2023.
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.
2022 – 2023 Recipient: Kassidy Johnson
Kassidy is from Elkhorn and played this past season for the U18 Birtle/Hamiota Bruiskies. Kassidy is a dedicated and hardworking student with a terrific academic record (94 per cent average in Grade 12). Kassidy demonstrated exemplary leadership and commitment to her school and is very involved in her community. She was on student council during her four years at Elkhorn School and was student council president in her Grade 12 year. Aside from hockey, Kassidy has played volleyball and badminton and has been part of curling, track and field, and fastball teams. Kassidy has demonstrated that she is dedicated to her teams and that she is a positive teammate and leader. Kassidy is very aware of the importance of giving back to her school and community and has been involved in several volunteer activities. These include being an assistant for Canskate, power skating, after school curling, vacation bible school, and coaching basketball. Kassidy will attend Brandon University in the fall of 2023 to study pre-Nursing (Faculty of Science).
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.
2022 – 2023 Recipient: Monelle Bryant
Monelle is from Miniota and played this past season for the U18 Birtle/Hamiota Bruiskies. Monelle is a genuine and kind person and a gifted student (93 per cent average in her Grade 12 year at Birtle Collegiate). Monelle played on the Yellowhead Chiefs U15 AAA for two seasons and won two provincial championships with the U18 Birtle/Hamiota Bruiskies. Monelle recently became certified as a Level 1 official and refereed for both Miniota and Elkhorn minor hockey this past season. Monelle is also an avid baseball player, competing with her school baseball team as well as the Hamiota Redsox softball team. Monelle has volunteered at community suppers and events for the Miniota Community Centre and has also volunteered at the Virden Animal Hospital. She also served as the vice-president of her student council. Monelle will attend the University of Saskatchewan in the fall of 2023 to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree.
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 ground breaking 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.
2022 – 2023 Recipient: Grace Glover
Grace is from Boissevain and played this past season for the Westman Wildcats U18 AAA team. She also represented U18 Team Manitoba at the 2023 Canada Winter Games in Prince Edward Island. Grace won a Provincial U18 AAA Championship in 2021 – 2022 with the Wildcats and was named Playoff MVP. This season, she was named League MVP, Top Goaltender and 1st Team All-Star in the Manitoba Female U18 AAA League. Academically, Grace is a tireless and self-disciplined worker. Throughout her high school years at Boissevain School, despite having to manage an incredibly busy athletic schedule she achieved an academic average of 97 per cent. Grace believes strongly in giving back to the sport that has been so instrumental in her life and has always made volunteerism a priority. This past year, she helped coach the U11 Female Boissevain Border King team, attending practices and games as her hectic schedule would allow. She also volunteered with the annual Christmas Cheer campaign. Grace has committed to attend the University of Alberta in the fall of 2023, and will play on the women’s hockey team. She will pursue a Bachelor of Education Degree.
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.
2022 – 2023 Recipient: Kate Everett
Kate is from Oakbank and played this past season for the Female Eastman Sharks U18 AA and the Springfield Collegiate Institute Sabres in the Manitoba Women’s High School Hockey League. Kate is a model student who has managed to maintain an over 90 per cent average throughout her high school career, while excelling in sports. Kate leads through words and actions, always being the first to challenge a teammate for more effort, or more talk on the bench. She is friendly to everyone, respectful and a true leader by example. Kate is dedicated to her community, volunteering for the Main Street Clothing Drive, mentoring young hockey players, and working with low-income families. Kate will attend Queen’s University in the fall of 2023 to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce degree (marketing).
2022 – 2023 Recipient: Noah Ouimet
Noah is from Ste. Agathe and played this past season for the École/Collège Régional Gabrielle-Roy Cavaliers. Noah has always been a great role model for his fellow classmates and teammates and has a team first mentality. If someone is struggling, he’s the first one to go see that person and help them out with their game. Noah is a gifted student (overall average of 92 per cent since Grade 9) who aspires to better himself every day. He has been involved in a variety of community events including participating in a “Homeless Night” in Winnipeg where students distributed food to the less fortunate. Noah has volunteered his time to the Learn to Skate program at Ste. Agathe Arena and has helped with minor hockey tryouts through Max Analytics as an evaluator. In addition to being the captain for his high school’s volleyball team, he coached the Grade 7 volleyball team at his school. He is also a proud ambassador of his French language and culture. Noah will attend the University of Manitoba in the fall of 2023 to pursue an Engineering degree.
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.
2022 – 2023 Recipient: Trynity Turner
Trynity is from Neepawa and played this past season for the Yellowhead Chiefs U18 AAA. Trynity is an excellent student who has been on the principal’s honour roll since grade 7. Trynity has demonstrated excellence in athletics, leadership, as well as a commitment to her community. Trynity is the epitome of a role model for the younger kids in her community as someone who has worked her way up through the minor hockey system. Trynity has not only excelled at the regional club level with the Yellowhead Chiefs (U15/U18) but she will now pursue her education and play hockey at the university level with York University. Trynity has volunteered her time as an instructor with Neepawa’s Hockey Breakfast Club and has dedicated many hours of her time to her school’s social justice group H.O.P.E, a group designed to help people in need across the country and world. Trynity will attend York University in the fall of 2023, and will play for the Lions as a member of their women’s hockey team. She will pursue a Bachelor of Science Degree.
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.
2022 – 2023 Recipient: Baylen Dilk
Baylen is from La Salle and played this past season for the Sanford Sabres, serving as team captain. As an athlete, Baylen demonstrates a high level of dedication and commitment to his sport. He has consistently shown his leadership skills on the ice, inspiring his teammates to strive for excellence. Off the ice, Baylen is a gifted student. He maintained Magna Cum Laude every year at Sanford Collegiate while also being actively involved in extracurricular activities. He has shown great discipline, balancing his athletic pursuits with his academic responsibilities. Baylen believes strongly in giving back to his community. He collected funds from his teammates and purchased meals for residents living at Ronald McDonald House. Baylen and his teammates also organized a charity hockey game and raised money for Zack Borsboom, who suffered head trauma after an unfortunate hit during a game last Winter. Baylen will attend the University of Manitoba in the fall of 2023 to pursue an Agribusiness degree.
HOCKEY MANITOBA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $750
Each year Hockey Manitoba will award one scholarship in the amount of $750.00 in memorial of those that we lost over the course of the season. This is to recognize them for their long-standing positions with Hockey Manitoba and the significant contributions they made to the betterment of our game.
2022 – 2023 Recipient: Wylie Garchinski
Wylie is from Winnipeg and played this past season for the Interlake Lightning U18 AAA. Wylie is a remarkable athlete who has displayed exceptional talent, skill, and unwavering dedication to hockey. Wylie has been active in hockey both as a AAA Hockey player and Level III Official. His consistent commitment to improving his skills, physical conditioning, and teamwork make him a true inspiration to his peers. Wylie achieved Honour Roll status during each year of his studies at St. Paul’s High School. Wylie has demonstrated leadership through his involvement in the Maroon & White, a group of senior students elected by teachers and students for demonstrating positive leadership in the school. He has volunteered at various school fundraising and community learning events in support of organizations such as Manitoba Possible. Wylie will attend the University of Manitoba in the fall of 2023 to pursue a Commerce degree.
