In the 2024-2025 season, Sladoje was one of Eight (8) bursary recipients of $6,000 each
Cambridge, ON – Success is something Marco Sladoje knows all too well. Even though he started the game late, getting interested in it after attending a birthday party when he was 7 years old, he has excelled at the game. The captain of the Lakeshore Canadians is a two-time Schmalz Cup (PJHL) Champion, winning in 2022 and 2024. If that isn’t enough, Marco is an excellent student as well.
Academic success has always been important to Marco and his family. He’s taking Biomedical Science at the University of Windsor and has a 93% average! Its all about time management and being able to excel in all areas of his life. Taking a holistic approach to life. “Since winning the OHA Bursary, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of my own resilience and sense of purpose,” Sladoje said. “It reaffirmed that the work I’ve put into balancing hockey, academics, research, and community involvement isn’t just about personal success… it’s about making an impact.”
Click here to watch Marco’s 2024 Bursary Video
Winning a bursary of this magnitude at such a young age is a hugely positive change in the life of the recipient. Not only is there a significant windfall of cash, also being recognized as part of the upper echelon goes a long way. “Being one of the 2024 recipients of the OHA Bursary Program has been a game-changer for me,” Sladoje said. “It’s not just about the financial support—though that has definitely helped ease some of the burden of tuition and other expenses—but it’s also about the recognition and encouragement that comes with it.”
With the 2025 Bursary Program underway and open to submissions, Marco has some advice for anyone that is thinking of applying. “My advice is to be yourself and take the time to tell your true story. This bursary isn’t just about hockey; it’s about character, leadership, perseverance, and community involvement,” Sladoje said. “Whether it’s teamwork, resilience, or using your platform to give back, make sure to showcase how your experiences have shaped you.”
Register and submit your application for the 2025 Bursary Program Now!
To apply click here
About the Ontario Hockey Association
The Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) was founded on November 27, 1890, and is the governing body for the majority of Junior and Senior hockey in the Province of Ontario. The OHA is a Member Partner of the Ontario Hockey Federation which is one of thirteen Provincial and Regional Branches of Hockey Canada.
It is comprised of three Junior hockey leagues and two Senior hockey leagues: Junior A – Ontario Junior Hockey League; Junior B – Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League; Junior C – Provincial Junior Hockey League, Senior –Allan Cup Hockey (AAA) and Ontario Elite Hockey League(AA). For the 2024-25 season, these five leagues encompass 125 teams.
The objectives of the OHA are to foster and encourage the sport of amateur hockey, to conduct competition in the various categories established, to determine teams for entry into the inter-branch competitions that may be provided by Hockey Canada, and to provide for the affiliation of other hockey organizations.
The OHA provides administrative resources, coordinates programs, services and events for hockey participants and provides support to various Development Programs for coaches, officials, trainers and players, Safety and Risk Management Issues and offers resources for Harassment and Abuse education.
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For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Chris McCleary
General Manager, Operations & Marketing
Ontario Hockey Association
