Hockey Manitoba official Cynthia Cote (La Broquerie) is one of six recipients of the Kenneth R. Stiles Memorial Scholarship for the 2021 – 2022 season.

The scholarships are awarded annually to members of the Hockey Canada Officiating Program to help offset the cost of post-secondary education, supporting their efforts to reach their university or college goals, and to reward their interest in mentoring the next generation of officials. Cote has been awarded a $3,000.00 scholarship.

“It was not expected just because it’s all across Canada so I was quite shocked but super excited, ” Cote said. “Financially, it’s definitely helpful to continue my studies and it’s great to see a scholarship that supports referees that are also in school and help you continue your career as a ref but also continue your career aspirations.”

Cote, 21, recently completed her fourth year of studies at the University of Manitoba where she is working towards her four-year Honours (B.A.) degree in Psychology.

Cote is a Level III official who has been officiating minor hockey for 9 years. This past season, she officiated games in the Manitoba U18 AAA Hockey League, the Manitoba Female U18 AAA Hockey League, and the Manitoba Women’s Junior Hockey League.

She recently found out that she was selected by Hockey Canada to attend the first ever Women’s Officiating Program of Excellence (OPOE) Summer Camp which will take place in Calgary from August 8th to 13th. The OPOE is the pathway through which Canadian officials are selected for top national and international assignments.

“It’s very exciting for female officiating in general and I’m very excited to be able to attend this first event,” Cote said. “Jodi Anderson is attending the Canada/US series and Amy Martin attended the U18 Worlds so it’s very exciting for my colleagues having success as well.”

After Cote completes her four-year Honours degree in Pscyhology, she plans on pursuing graduate studies (Master’s degree).