Spirit’s Kaden Sienko earns Ivan Tennant Memorial Award as OHL’s Top Academic High School Student

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that first-year Saginaw Spirit defenceman Kaden Sienko is the 2024-25 recipient of the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award, presented annually to the OHL’s Top Academic High School Student.

Sienko produced a 98 percent average in Grade 11 studies at Heritage High School, mastering a course load that included English, History, Health, Biology and Co-op.

“I’m incredibly honored to accept the Ivan Tennant Award. It means a lot to be recognized not just for what I do on the ice, but for the work I’ve put in at school too,” said Sienko. “Balancing hockey and high school isn’t always easy—between practices, games, travel, and assignments, it can be a lot. But I’ve always believed that staying committed in the classroom helps me become a better athlete and a better person.”

A 17-year-old from Binghamton, New York, Sienko was Saginaw’s 13th round (261st overall) pick in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection. He recorded three assists over 18 games in his first OHL season, finishing with a plus-4 rating.

“What Kaden accomplished this season was very impressive,” said Spirit General Manager Dave Drinkill. “He made our team as a 16-year-old and was playing extremely well before missing significant time with injury. For him to keep up with and excel at his schoolwork through all of that makes him very deserving of this award.”

Sienko becomes the first member of the Saginaw Spirit to win the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award.

“Kaden is a hardworking, proactive student who takes his academics seriously,” said Spirit Academic Advisor Pamela Moretuzzo. “He consistently works ahead to stay on top of his coursework during road trips and demonstrates excellent communication skills with his teachers and peers. Kaden also sets a high standard for his teammates, leading by example.”

Sienko claimed this year’s honour, while Brantford Bulldogs forward Aiden O’Donnell and Niagara IceDogs forward Braidy Wassilyn were award finalists.

The Ivan Tennant Memorial Award is given to the League’s Top Academic High School Player and is named in honour of Ivan Tennant, who spent a lifetime combining hockey and education. He was the Kitchener Rangers’ Education Consultant for 20 years and a key figure on the OHL’s Education Consultant’s Committee.

Sienko will be formally presented with the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award in June at the 2025 OHL Awards Ceremony at The Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

For a complete list of OHL Award winners, click here.