Six bursaries of $5,000 each will be awarded to successful applicants who exemplify commitment to their community, academics and athletics
Cambridge, ON – OHA members know first-hand the commitment needed to succeed at a high level on the ice and in the classroom. With this school year providing extra challenges, the hard work put forth by graduating students are being recognized.
The OHA is proud to partner with Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) to present the Bursary Program, which recognizes OHA members for their outstanding commitment to:
- Community service: the applicant demonstrates “perseverance, originality and heart,” while assisting in building stronger and healthier communities
- Academics: dedication to their studies and attaining high grades in the classroom
- Athletics: on-ice success/achievement, as well as a passion for the game of hockey
Six (6) DFO Bursaries will be awarded at $5,000 each.
“Dairy Farmers of Ontario is proud to continue to support outstanding OHA members for the fifth consecutive year,” said Cheryl Smith, Chief Executive Officer of DFO. “These bursaries reflect our commitment to recognizing exceptional athletes who demonstrate perseverance and excellence not only in their sport, but also in their academic pursuits and community contributions.”
We are very excited to partner with Dairy Farmers of Ontario for the fifth year on this special bursary program for our OHA members ” said Mark Tuck Executive Director of the OHA. “We understand that in many cases, our members are participating in our programs while balancing academic demands and expectations. The bursary program aligns with the OHA purpose to grow individuals and communities through hockey and our members will benefit immensely from this partnership.
To apply click here
ELIGIBILITY
All applicants must adhere to the following guidelines:
- The bursaries are open to ALL OHA members (OJHL, GOHL, PJHL, ACH, and OEHL) – which includes but is not limited to players, coaches, trainers and officials
- Requests can only be made for active OHA members
- A recipient is attending a post-secondary institution during the 2026-2027 school year
- Maintain a high standard of academic excellence
- Active in their local community programs (any community sport or social program)
- Must be applying to a post-secondary institution in Ontario
HOW TO APPLY
Candidates must complete the application form below and submit it to the OHA by Midnight (EST) on April 30, 2026. Each application will be reviewed by a panel and only the successful recipients will be contacted by the OHA. We wish the best of luck to all applicants. To apply click here
About Dairy Farmers of Ontario
Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) is the marketing board for the largest sector of Ontario agriculture. Our mission is to provide leadership and excellence in the production and marketing of Canadian milk for a dynamic, profitable growing dairy industry. Ontario’s 10,000+ dairy farmers and their families on 3,187 farms are proud to produce high-quality milk for Canadians. For more information, visit www.milk.org
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. It is comprised of three Junior hockey leagues and two Senior hockey leagues: Junior A – Ontario Junior Hockey League; Junior B – Greater Ontario Hockey League; Junior C – Provincial Junior Hockey League, Senior –Allan Cup Hockey (AAA) and Ontario Elite Hockey League (AA). For the 2025-2026 season, these five leagues encompass 132 teams. 3100 players, and about 6,000 games each hockey season. The majority of our players are 16 to 21 years of age.
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 set up an interview, please contact:
Chris McCleary
General Manager, Operations & Marketing
Ontario Hockey Association
