Dairy Farmers of Ontario offers six outstanding OHA members $5,000 towards their post-secondary education
by – David McPherson
Cambridge, ON – On or off the ice, community and dedication run deep. It’s this common ground that has fueled the enduring partnership between the Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) and the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA).
Over the past five seasons, DFO has proudly supported the OJHL, GOHL, and PJHL prospect and all-star games—providing player gifting, player-of-the-game prizes, and financial support to help offset event costs.
“Farming and hockey are part of the fabric of the rural communities where our leagues call home,” says Chris McCleary, general manager, Operations, Communications and Marketing. “From Tavistock to Fergus; Lucknow to Kincardine; Wellesley to Listowel and all towns in between, these communities are passionate about hockey and agriculture is a key driver of their local economies.”
Last Call! Six $5,000 Bursaries Available for OHA Members
For the fifth consecutive year, the OHA and DFO are partnering to offer 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; and
- Athletics: on-ice success/achievement, as well as a passion for the game of hockey.
Participation in sports is proven to enhance the overall health and well-being of youth. DFO seeks to nourish local communities by bringing the values sports teach to the next generation of leaders. The bursary program aligns with the OHA purpose to grow individuals and communities through hockey; our members benefit immensely from this partnership. Six bursaries of $5,000 each will be awarded to successful applicants who exemplify commitment to their community, academics and athletics. Apply here.
The submission deadline is midnight (EST) May 11, 2026.
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
