The Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association presented several high school hockey scholarships on Wednesday. Schools were invited to nominate individuals from high school hockey teams across the province.
The Alexander Josephson Memorial Scholarship is awarded in honour of Alexander Josephson, a student at St. John’s Ravenscourt School, who tragically past away in a car accident in 2005. Alexander was a member of the 2003 Provincial Championship Hockey team and was selected as a Provincial All-Star. The recipients of this scholarship are students who demonstrate strong leadership and team play, high scholastic standing, a hard working attitude and who are proceeding to a post secondary institution. A male and female hockey player will each receive a $2000.00 scholarship.
Meghan Hodgins of College Sturgeon Heights – was captain of the Huskies and led them to the championship of the Winnipeg Free Press Division. Meghan maintains an 87% academic average, while also tutoring students, and being a student Ambassador to grade 9 students. She was involved in raising money, food, and toys for hampers for families as part of Sam’s Christmas with Project Echo. Meghan also teaches swimming at the YMCA and is involved at her local community center with “Skate with Santa” and working in the canteen. Meghan hopes to pursue a career in Medicine.
Riley Stevenson of Morris School – was the goalie for the Mavericks. He played every game this season acquiring 2000+minutes. He has been awarded many player of the game awards, tournament medals, and his team won Bronze at Provincials. Riley is involved in the school’s breakfast club, is on the student council, member of Kids Caring for Kids Committee, Yearbook Committee, scorekeeps at tournaments and coaches recreational hockey, all while maintaining and academic average of 94%. Riley shows leadership on and off the ice and is looked up to by his team mates.
The Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame and Museum sponsors two awards including the Ken “Friar” Nicolson Award for a male high school hockey player and the Sami Jo Small Award for a female hockey player. Nicolson was the broadcaster for CJOB Radio for the Winnipeg Jets, and was a tremendous supporter of high school hockey. Sami Jo Small was an outstanding athlete at College Jeanne Sauvé in track and field and was MHSAA athlete of the year in 1993, and a member of the MHSAA Hall of Fame. She went on to play for Canada’s National Ladies Hockey Team appearing in five Olympic Games, and winning three gold medals. Each winner will receive a $1000.00 scholarship.
The Sami Jo Small Award goes to Camille (Cami) Daeninck of College Jeanne-Sauve. Cami has been a leader on and off the ice, and was chosen as assistant captain. She plays both hockey and ringette. While maintaining a 95% average, Cami also is involved as a peer support person, involved in committees such as the ECoOlympiens and Social Cultural committee. She volunteers with United Way, Varity the Children’s Charity, and helps with several of their functions. She is a certified Ringette instructor and a skating instructor with the Learn to Skate Program and also a Lifesaving Society certified Swim instructor.
The recipient of the Ken “Friar” Nicolson Award goes to Tyson Dyck of Portage Collegiate – Tyson led the Trojans to a top ranking in the zone, and to a semi-final finish. He was part of the most consistent scoring line in the league, and a true sportsman. Tyson was voted league MVP by all the coaches. When not on the ice, he volunteers at the local elementary school working with young boys who do not have an adult role model, and teaches Sunday School, all while maintaining an academic average of 89%.
The D’Arcy Bain/Fred Stevenson Award is named in honour of long time hockey coach Fred Stevenson of St. John’s Ravenscourt, and the $750.00 Scholarship is sponsored by local Physiotherapist D’Arcy Bain.
Gage Pringle of Glenboro School – Gage was captain of the Panthers, and named as top defenceman. He was selected to play in the All–Star game. Gage is a student council co-president, and on the honour role. He maintains a 93% average. Gage also played basketball and was a member of the Provincial “A” Champions. He is also involved with We Day, choir, drama ,travel club, and Samariten House.
The Winnipeg Jets Alumni and Friends Scholarships support high school hockey by presenting two $1,000.00 scholarships, one to a male and the other to a female player. The criteria for this award includes on ice skills, as well as leadership in school and community.
Kali Solmundson of Miles Macdonell Collegiate – was captain of the “Buckeyes” hockey team for two years. She maintains an academic average of 90% while also participating in field hockey and track and field. Kali had 39 points in 21 games. She was named the league’s top defensemen last year. Kali is a member of the schools grad committee and volunteered at the schools Christmas dinner for seniors. She also participates in Field Hockey and Track.
Adam Stefanyshyn of St. Paul’s High School – is the leading scorer on the Crusaders and was the alternate captain. Adam was voted to the WHSHL All-Star game and named MVP at the Provincial AAAA Hockey championships, that his team won. While maintaining an academic average of 88%, Adam has volunteered at Peaceful Village teaching immigrant adults English, and helped prepare and lead two four day retreats. Adam was an instrumental leader in the dressing room, and in the school.
