Players 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 deserves to be recognized.

The OMHA is proud to partner with Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) to present the Bursary Program, which recognizes minor hockey players for their outstanding commitment to:

• Community service: assisting in building stronger and healthier communities
• Athletics: on-ice success/achievement, as well a passion for the game of hockey
• Academics: dedication to studies and attainment of high grades in the classroom

The OMHA Bursary Program is composed of two awards – the Dairy Farmers of Ontario Bursary and the Wally Scott Bursary. It reflects the achievements of young hockey players who are committed to their community, athletic ability, and academic achievement. Each recipient will receive financial support toward their post-secondary education.

Five DFO Bursaries will be awarded at $8,000 each and up to two Wally Scott Bursary recipient(s) can receive between $1,000 and $2,500.

"Dairy Farmers of Ontario supports Ontario youth in achieving their goals, both on and off the ice," said Cheryl Smith, DFO’s chief executive officer. “MilkUP represents perseverance, originality and heart and these values are the focus of this bursary program. Dairy farmers and their families proudly recognizing the dedication and commitment of young athletes across Ontario, in their journey to pursue athletic, academic and community excellence.”

“This is the third season we are partnering with the Dairy Farmers of Ontario to highlight the top student-athletes in the OMHA who are entering post-secondary education. We hope these bursaries help our players achieve their goals and that they can continue to give back within their communities,” says OMHA Executive Director Ian Taylor. “These bursaries are a testament to the time commitment, focus and dedication needed to succeed at a high level both in the classroom and on the ice.”

All applicants must adhere to the following guidelines:

• Requests can only be made for active players aged up to 20 years and must have been a registered player in the Ontario Minor Hockey Association for a minimum of five years.
• A player attending a post-secondary institution during the 2022-2023 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.

Candidates must complete the application form below and submit it to the OMHA by 8:00 pm on February 27, 2022. Each application will be reviewed by a panel and only the winning recipients will be contacted by the OMHA. We wish the best of luck to all applicants.