Players know first-hand the time commitment needed to succeed on the ice with their hockey teams and in the classroom with their grades. With the Grade 12 school year approaching the halfway mark and bright academic futures ahead, the hard work put forth by graduating students deserves to be highlighted.

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

• Academics: dedication to studies and attainment of high grades in the classroom while being leaders in school activities.
• Community service: assisting in building stronger and healthier communities through volunteering and extracurriculars.
• Athletics: a passion for the game of hockey and the sporting community while demonstrating the positive values that they offer.

The 2026 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.

“We’re proud to support Ontario’s young athletes once again. Partnering with OMHA for a seventh season through the Bursary Program is our way of giving back to the next generation, supporting youth in achieving their dreams, and grow into leaders in their communities,” said Cheryl Smith, chief executive officer of DFO. “Through these bursaries, we celebrate outstanding athletes whose leadership, perseverance and sportsmanship shine both on and off the ice.”

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

The game of hockey was a constant force in Wally Scott’s personal and professional life for over sixty years. He demonstrated this lasting commitment to the game as a coach, fan, father, grandfather and legal counsel. Without question, he was a passionate advocate of the game. Over the decades, Scott’s personal and professional interests in hockey merged to the benefit of the OMHA. The award presented in his name is intended to recognize his contributions and commitment to the OMHA and to the game of hockey.

“Thank you to Dairy Farmers of Ontario for their continued support of the OMHA Bursary Program that recognizes some of the top student-athletes in the province,” said Ian Taylor, executive director of the OMHA. “These bursaries highlight the life skills that players learn from hockey that they are able to apply to their classrooms and extracurriculars. This program helps our players achieve their academic goals and we hope they continue to display this leadership within their communities.”

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 2026-27 school year.
• Maintain a high standard of academic excellence.
• Active in their local community programs (any community sport or social programs).

Candidates must complete the application form and submit it to the OMHA by 8 p.m. on February 15, 2026. Applications are encouraged to include as much detail as possible about school and extracurricular involvement. 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.

As part of the Supporting Documents, be prepared to include:

• If able, please combine all supporting documents into one file to upload.
• One page letter outlining request (summary of application, hockey experience, extracurriculars, etc.)
• Proof of academic record (report card/transcript)
• Supporting letter from your Coach and/or Minor Hockey Association President
• Reference letters
• Proof of community involvement
• Any other supporting documents.

Click here to apply