Players have experienced first-hand the commitment and balance needed to succeed on the ice and in the classroom. With this important year of high school underway, 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 for a fifth consecutive year, which recognizes minor hockey players for their outstanding commitment to:

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

The 2024 OMHA Bursary Program is comprised 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.

Eight DFO Bursaries will be awarded at $5,000 each and two Wally Scott Bursary recipients will receive $1,250 each.

“We are thrilled to support OMHA for a fifth season through the organization’s 2024 Bursary Program. Each bursary is given to a young athlete who shows tremendous resilience, sportsmanship and leadership on and off the ice,” said Cheryl Smith, Chief Executive Officer of DFO. “MilkUP is DFO's youth lifestyle brand that was created with youth success in mind. Through these eight bursaries of $5,000 each, we recognize outstanding Ontario youth athletes who demonstrate MilkUP's values: perseverance, originality and heart.”

“We are thrilled to be able to share our Bursary Program with the Dairy Farmers of Ontario again this season. These bursaries highlight some of the top student-athletes in the OMHA as they enter post-secondary education,” said Ian Taylor, OMHA Executive Director. “The life skills that hockey teaches such as commitment, teamwork and dedication are showcased through their efforts in the classroom and extracurriculars in their communities. We hope these bursaries help our players achieve their goals and that they continue to be leaders within their teams and schools.”

All applicants must adhere to the following guidelines:

• Applications can only be submitted 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.
  • Current OWHA players are eligible to apply so long as they meet the listed criteria and played in the OMHA for a minimum of three years.
• A player confirmed to attend a post-secondary institution for their first year during the 2024-25 school year.
• Maintain a high standard of academic excellence.
• Active in their local community programs (any community sport or social program).

Candidates must complete the application form below and submit it to the OMHA by 8 p.m. on February 18, 2024. 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.