Photo credits: Gary Dorland (Ryan), Garrett James Photography (Katzalay, Torzsok), Jack Murray (Ho)
The BCHL and Shaw Communications are proud to announce the five winners of the Shaw BCHL Scholarship Program for the 2020-21 season.
This program is designed to provide graduating BCHL players with financial support to use in the next step of their hockey and academic careers.
After gathering submissions during the league’s pod season, the BCHL and Shaw have selected five recipients who will receive a $2,000 scholarship award to attend a Canadian post-secondary institution.
The winners were selected based on their academic track record, their stated future career and education goals and their time spent in the BCHL.
This year’s recipients of the Shaw BCHL Scholarship Program are:
Hunter Donohoe – Vernon Vipers
Tyler Ho – Penticton Vees
Holden Katzalay – Surrey Eagles
Liam Ryan – Nanaimo Clippers
Hunor Torzsok – Prince George Spruce Kings
“Education has always been a priority for the BC Hockey League,” said BCHL Commissioner Chris Hebb. “We pride ourselves on not only producing high-level athletes, but also great people. These five players are great examples of what our league is all about and we are thrilled to provide them with this opportunity to further their hockey and academic careers.”
So far, Tyler Ho has announced his commitment to play hockey and attend school at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ont. next season and Hunor Torzsok has announced his intention to play at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, B.C. The other three are expected to announce their plans for next year in the coming weeks and months.
“As a long-standing fixture in cities and towns across B.C., the BCHL is instrumental in providing a platform for young athletes to grow into positive community role models and become equipped with the tools they need to succeed both on and off the ice,” said Chethan Lakshman, Vice President, External Affairs, Shaw Communications. “Through our partnership with the BCHL, we are proud to have played a small role in helping these five players take the next step to fulfill their academic and athletic goals.”
Through the BCHL’s partnership with Shaw, the league has now handed out a combined total of $20,000 in scholarship funds to 10 different BCHL players over the last two seasons.