Neepawa Natives’ forward Drayson Skulmoski been awarded the MJHL’s Academic Player of the Year Scholarship in the amount of $1,000.
Skulmoski is now one of 10 Junior A nominees eligible for the $5,000 CJHL Academic Player of the Year Scholarship which will be awarded at the national Junior A championship next month at Brooks, AB.
“Through my experiences in hockey, I have learned to be organized and independent as I have lived away from home since I was 15,” said Skulmoski, who hails from Moosomin, SK. “Hockey has taught me how to communicate with others and how to become part of a new community.”
“I’ve learned how to set new goals through playing many years of hockey and I will apply those skill sets to my future career.”
Skulmoski, who turns 21 in May, studied Nutrition and Math (stats) via on-line with Athabasca University. He graduated high school (Moosomin) with an 85 average and was an honour roll student for all three grades. Now having graduated junior A hockey he’s hoping to attend a post-secondary institution to acquire a trade, or university degree.
Prior to joining the Natives, Skulmoski had played previously with Virden Oil Capitals and Waywayseecappo Wolverines. His volunteer experiences over his junior career have been wide-ranging, from delivering Meals on Wheels, scheduling gym nights with students, volunteering at bingo nights or working with young players at hockey camps.
“Drayson’s volunteer experience and leadership with the team has earned him a positive reputation in the community,” said Natives’ Head Coach/GM Ken Pearson. “In addition to volunteering his time with students or senior citizens, Drayson also found time to participate in the Terry Fox run as a representative of the Natives.”
