JOHN MCNABB SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
This Scholarship is named in honour of Mr. John McNabb who was a director of the Calgary Buffalo Hockey Association for 10 years and who was an avid supporter of Minor Hockey for over 30 years. On October 4, 2000 John lost his battle with cancer. To quote Buffalo Alumni Cam Laing, "John McNabb will be forever remembered with our association and beyond as an individual who poured his heart and soul into the game of hockey, expected nothing in return, and did it all with a smile on his face. His passion for the game and irresistible likeability was an inspiration to us all".
Scholarship applicants must be enrolling in full time studies at a post-secondary educational institution. Applicants must be a participant (or have been a participant) in at least one full season of hockey with the CBHA. Applicants must have played during the last season or be playing during the current season. All CBHA teams contribute a minimum of $150 annually to the scholarship fund and the annual CBHA golf tournament also contributes funds toward the scholarship.
Applications from CBHA Major Midget and Junior B teams shall be forwarded to:
Calgary Buffalo Hockey Association
P.O. Box 43043
Deer Valley RPO
Calgary Alberta T2J 7A7
All information on the application form must be completed. The successful applicant(s) will be chosen based on academic standing, community involvement, hockey participation and achievements and any other criteria deemed applicable by the committee.
Up to five (5) one thousand dollar ($1500.00) scholarships will be given out each season based on the quality of applications received and the financial status and stability of the scholarship fund. Scholarships must be used within 5 calendar years or funds will be forfeited.
The deadline for application is April 1.The recipient will receive a certificate of the award at the CBHA Awards Evening held in early May of each year.
APPLICATION
NEW THIS YEAR - $3000 TUXEDO SOURCE FOR SPORTS ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP
SCOTT TENNANT - COACHES AWARD FOR THE PLAYER WHO SHOWS SPORTSMANSHIP, DESIRE AND DEDICATION TO TEAM
Scott was a CBHA coach who coached at both the Bantam and Midget levels. Scott was part of the Midget AAA coaching staff at the time he died in a car crash on April 30, 1999, while returning to Calgary with his wife Stacey to attend that evenings CBHA banquet. Scott was one of those rare individuals who combine a zest for life with a positive attitude. He was considered an up and coming young coach whose dedication and passion for the game rubbed off on his players. One could not help but feel his enthusiasm and desire to get better, to succeed and persevere where others may quit.
This award is given annually to a Midget AAA Buffalo player who personifies the traits Scott believed every player must have to play the game and to carry him into everyday life....Sportsmanship, Desire and Dedication to their Team!
Owen Langis was the first recipient of this award and said it was one of the proudest moments of his life. He shared a few quotes that best described how Scott coached.
"Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn't work hard"
"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm"
"You can't always control what happens to you, but you can control how you react to it"
KRAIG THORSON - MOST INSPIRATIONAL PLAYER AWARD
April 13, 1969 - February 25, 1988
Kraig played hockey through our association, two seasons with the Midget AAA Buffaloes.. Garth Malarchuk, the head coach of the Buffaloes from 1984-90, had this to say about Kraig's determination and accomplishments.
Kraig played for the Buffaloes for 2 seasons. He was one of our most productive players during that time, playing on our top line. During his 2nd year (1986-87), right after our team had won the Mac’s Major Midget Tournament, I received a call from Kraig’s mother informing me that Kraig had been diagnosed with Cancer and would require surgery, followed by Chemo treatments. Kraig was subsequently unable to play for the remainder of the regular season, but continued to be a constant member and inspiration to our team.
During our play-off run that year, Kraig advised us, after getting approval from his Dr. and his parents, that he would be able to play again – on a limited basis. Our team went on to win the Alta-BC championship, and moved forward to represent the Pacific Region at the Air Canada (now Telus) Cup. Kraig was unable to play a regular shift, but he still was a major contributor to our teams’ success as we regulated his ice time, and played him on the power play.
Our team lost to Notre Dame in triple OT in the semi-final game, and had to play for the Bronze medal the next day, with just under 10 hrs rest. We were able to win the Bronze medal, and Kraig was selected as the player of the game! He would actually come to our bench and have to lie down, trying to recuperate for his next shift, with never a complaint. At the completion of the Bronze Medal game, our team was standing on the blueline for the "3 star awards". There wasn’t a dry eye on our team / staff. when Kraig was selected as the games’ 1st star after recording a hattrick. We all knew what Kraig had gone through, what he had meant to our team, and the battle ahead in dealing with his cancer. Thus, after Kraig's passing our staff and our team, suggested this award as a tribute and recognition for Kraig.
Kraig went on to play for the Calgary Canucks the following season where they posted the longest winning streak in AJHL history (21 games in row), and won the AJHL Championship. Tragically, Kraig lost his battle with cancer shortly after the winning streak ended.
This award is given annually to the Midget AAA Buffalo player who shows the traits that Kraig possessed. Dedication, work ethic and true team player who never gives up.
MICHAEL MANIAGO - CBHA GOALTENDER AWARD
March 23, 1988 - November 29, 2008
Michael Maniago played for the Midget AAA Buffaloes in 2003-2004 before going on to play in the WHL for the Kamloops Blazers and the Lethbridge Hurricanes. Michael then returned to Calgary to coach young goalies at World Pro Goaltending. At just 20 years old, Michael was tragically killed in a car accident in Calgary. Michael was remembered by teammates, coaches and friends as the nicest, most welcoming guy who always had a smile.
The CBHA is proud to present an award every year to the CBHA goalie who exhibits the traits that made Michael a great goalie and great young man.
Evan Skowron - U18 AA Goalie Award
Evan Karol Willian Skowron, was a longtime goalie in the Calagry Buffaloes Hockey Association, from 2003 - 2007. He loved being a goalie and was a proud member of the association.
On July 5, 2013, we lost Evan to suicide, because of depression and mental illness. This was devastating to his family and friends who loved him dearly. The Skowron family has been holding a golf tournament every year in Evan's honor to raise funds for the Centre Of Suicide Prevention.
Because of Evan’s love of hockey, and the Buffs, the Skowron family has directed funds from the tournament to a yearly Award. The Award will be given to a goalie in the Buffs “U18 AA” system, in Evan's honor and hopefully contributes to the development of a collaborative approach when it comes to raising awareness about mental health and suicide.
In-person interviews will be held at the end of the season for the U18 AA goalies.
