CHL Leaders: Cole Holowenko enjoying new career with industry giant
Well-travelled is one way to describe Cole Holowenko’s junior career.
After suiting up for three WHL clubs – the Chilliwack Bruins, Prince Albert Raiders, and Everett Silvertips – from 2009 to 2013, the budding netminder transferred to the QMJHL in his final season, appearing in 22 games with the Moncton Wildcats.
But that wasn’t the final stop on the hockey map for Holowenko, who after wrapping up his junior days was accepted to Nipissing University, where he strapped on the pads for one more season with the varsity Lakers. It made for a hectic yet fun schedule for Holowenko, who away from the rink was earning his bachelor of business administration in accounting.
Of course, busy days weren’t all too different for Holowenko – in fact, they were something he learned to quickly adapt to during his time in the junior circuit.
“It teaches you to grow up quickly and really manage your time effectively,” Holowenko told Junior Hockey Magazine as part of its CHL Leaders segment. “I think the biggest thing that junior hockey taught me was accountability.”
Nowadays, Holowenko is putting his educational background to use, serving as a staff accountant with industry giant KPMG.
“I had a couple of really good professors at Nipissing who helped lead me in the right direction in going toward accounting,” Holowenko detailed. “I quite enjoy it. I do a lot of financial reports and some compliance audits. Hopefully in the next year-and-a-half or so I’ll have my CPA designation as well.”
In the end, it’s an opportunity that came to fruition thanks in part to Holowenko’s days in junior hockey that earned him access to the league’s educational scholarship program.
“I can’t even really describe it. It’s such a phenomenal package and incredible offer,” Holowenko explained. “I remember when I was 15 or 16 that having that guarantee of school being paid for was probably the biggest deciding factor. It really just takes so much stress off you when you graduate.”
Listen to Cole Holowenko’s full interview with Junior Hockey Magazine here.