Cambridge, ON – 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
Eight (8) DFO Bursaries will be awarded at $6,000 each.
To apply for the 2023 Bursary Program click here
One of the 2022 Bursary winners is ANDREW EARLEY
Watch Andrew’s 2022 bursary winner highlight video here
by Dan Carle
“Honestly, you can be a great hockey player if you know how to be coached.” Life in Dover Centre, Ontario provides snapshots to life and the game like that of hundreds of other small towns across Canada. It’s really no different there, here, or anywhere.
Roll up that rim. Roll up those sleeves. Keeping rolling.
“Dad was always out there with the Tim Hortons,” said Andrew Early, 18, and a forward with the Provincial Junior Hockey League’s Walkerton Capitals. “It was always a good time out there.
“Good old Sundays at the arena.”
The memories of the game are as long as the life skills gained within the game. “Hockey is not just a me sport,” he continued. “If you’re a player who can’t be coached, you’re not really the greatest. But if you are a player (who) can be coached and be taught things, that’s wildly important for a career.”
Any career.
Armed with a 90-plus per cent average out of high school, Earley is taking Business Administration classes at Wilfrid Laurier University. He is one of six Ontario recipients of an $8,000 Bursary program through Dairy Farmers of Ontario for athletes to continue along in school, proving once more that hockey has real potential to help make great people.
“How to be a leader,” said Earley. “It’s something I can use in my daily life now.” “Establishing a plan. Knowing when you have too much work to do – to balance it out and say: ‘Okay, I am going to work on this for 30 minutes’ – and make sure you have time to work on those while playing hockey, and while doing a part-time job.”
For Earley, hockey appears to be a full-on passion that will hopefully result in a full-time career. “I think I want to specialize in hockey. I have heard lots of stories – the biggest one being Kyle Dubas, working his way from the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds to the Toronto Maple Leafs. “It’s a cool career path that I’d like to try out.”
Roll on.
How to apply for the 2023 Bursary Program – To apply click here
Candidates must complete the application form and submit it to the OHA by 8 p.m. on May 1, 2023. 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.