Academic Spotlight Series; #6 Jacob Holmes
“Teachers Life are proud sponsors of the OHL’s Academic Spotlight Program,” says Doug Baker, President and CEO of Teachers Life. “The dedication of the OHL’s student-athletes to their education mirrors Teachers Life’s commitment to students and educators across the province. By celebrating these athletes, they become role models to kids in their communities through their dedication to academic excellence, integrity and curiosity.”
#6 JACOB HOLMES
Position: D
Shoots: Left
Height: 6.01
Weight: 174 lbs
Hometown: Alliston, ON
DRAFT:
• NHL – Eligible for 2021 NHL Entry Draft
• OHL – SOO (2019) Round 1 (#18)
2019-20 STATS
GP: 57 | G: 3 | A: 6 | PTS: 9
BIO
|The Greyhounds 1st round pick from 2019, the Alliston ON product appeared in 57 games for the red and white in 2019-20. Among OHL Rookie Defencemen, Holmes ranked 7th overall with a +/- of +9 and 8th overall in GP with 57. Holmes represented Team Canada Red at the 2019 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge where he had 1 point in 5 games.
Holmes was recognized for his academic success, which included a 99% mark in mathematics and an 81% overall average at Superior Heights Secondary School, by being named OHL West Division Academic Player of the Month in December 2019 and a co-recipient of the Soo Greyhounds 2019-20 Scholastic Player of the Year award.
Holmes is draft eligible for the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.
Where are you currently going to school?
I am currently going to school remotely through Superior Heights Secondary School.
What program/classes are you taking?
I am in one class at the moment and that is grade 12 University Biology.
What program are you interested in taking once you complete high school?
Once I complete high school, I am interested in a business program at the university level.
How do you balance the time commitment required to be successful on the ice and in the classroom?
I balance my time between hockey and school by always staying on top of homework. When I don’t have ongoing homework or assignments it makes it easier to focus in the classroom and at the rink.
How do you make up for time out of the classroom (ie. road trips)?
I make up for my time out of the classroom by working with my teacher’s ahead of time and planning ahead. By letting the teacher know about my absences ahead of time, I can get the work I will miss and take it on the road with me so I can finish it on the bus or in the hotel.
What importance does the coaching staff place on academic success?
The coaching staff always wants the best for you on the ice and in the classroom. The coaching staff puts a lot of importance on your success in school, and that makes it easier for you to have success on the ice as well.
You were a co-recipient of the Soo Greyhounds Scholastic Player of the Year award last season, what does winning this award mean to you?
Being a co-recipient of the Soo Greyhounds Scholastic Player of the Year award last year was an honour. It feels great to know that my hard work in the classroom paid off.
What advice/tips do you have for young fans out there who dream of one day playing in the OHL.
Always work hard, never give up, believe in yourself and have fun!
About Teachers Life
Teachers Life is a federally regulated life insurance company. Founded in 1939, Teachers Life offers life and group insurance products to address the unique needs of Canadian families. Teachers Life is the first insurance provider in Canada to underwrite life insurance products online, in as little as 15 minutes. As a not-for-profit fraternal insurer, community commitment is a core value for Teachers Life. For more information, please visit TeachersLife.com.
About the Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League is a proud member of the Canadian Hockey League which is the world’s largest development hockey league with 60 teams in nine Canadian provinces and four American states. In addition to the OHL, the CHL is made up of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League and U SPORTS than any other league.
