- Every OHL player is eligible for a scholarship from their respective team, administered through the League office, upon graduating from the OHL
- Maximum scholarship benefit for graduating players is tuition, books and compulsory fees for each season played in the OHL toward an undergraduate degree.
- Maximum scholarship benefit for graduating players is tuition, books, compulsory fees and room and board toward an undergraduate degree.
OHL Secondary School Student-Player Supports:
99% of OHL players graduate high school, compared to the provincial average of 83%
Academic Advisors (AAs):
Each OHL member team has one or two Academic Advisors who support, guide and plan the education programs for all rostered student athletes in the OHL. The Advisors are all experienced Guidance Counsellors and/or high school teachers. They each work diligently to ensure all student athletes are successful in high school and post-secondary courses, and they are invaluable for their role in facilitating the transition of the student athletes back to their home schools at the end of each hockey season.
Tutoring:
In addition to Academic Advisors, every player has access to the support of a tutor at no cost to the player and his family.
- A unique and personalized academic plan is created to cater to every student athlete’s specific needs.
- Paper, an online 1:1 tutor platform which gives students 24/7 access to tutors.
Additional Supports:
- All practice times scheduled after regular school hours.
- Latest technical support is provided to the players to assist them as student athletes.
- High school players cannot be traded without the consent of the player and his family.
- Financial commitment for the education of all players:
- All education costs paid for by the OHL team while playing in the OHL including tuition, books, compulsory fees and room and board.
OHL Scholarships:
- How to access your OHL Scholarship
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Scholarship Processing Form
- Reimbursement Claim Form (PDF / Excel)
- Room and Board Claim Form (*Full Ride Students Only) (PDF / Excel)
OHL Academic Awards:
Bobby Smith Trophy (Scholastic Player of the Year)
The Bobby Smith Trophy is awarded annually to the OHL Scholastic Player of the Year who best combines high standards of play and academic excellence. The trophy is in honour of Bobby Smith, former Ottawa 67’s star who exhibited the standard of excellence required by the award. Each team’s nominee for the award becomes a member of the OHL Scholastic Team of the Year.
Last year’s winner was Owen Sound Attack forward Colby Barlow, who also earned CHL Scholastic Player of the Year honours. Barlow led the Attack in the goal-scoring department with 46 tallies, and excelled in the classroom with a 93 percent average in Grade 12 University-level courses at Owen Sound District Secondary School. Read More / Watch
Other past winners have included two-time winner Connor McDavid and three-time recipient Dustin Brown.
Roger Neilson Memorial Award (Top Academic Post-Secondary Student)
The Roger Neilson Memorial Award is presented each year to recognize the top post-secondary player in the OHL. The Roger Neilson Memorial Award is named in honour of the Hall of Fame Coach. While coaching the Peterborough Petes in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, Neilson, a former high school teacher, was a pioneer in stressing the importance of education to all of his players.
Last year’s winner was Oshawa Generals forward Ryder McIntyre, who achieved an overall average of 81 percent in studies at the University of Guelph, headlined by a 100 percent grade in an Introduction to Marketing course. Read More / Watch
Other past winners have included two-time recipients Adam Varga, Stephen Gibson, Derek Lanoue and Danny Battochio.
Ivan Tennant Memorial Award (Top Academic High School Student)
The Ivan Tennant Memorial Award is given out each year to the top academic high school student in the OHL. The award is based on the player’s average in his best six courses regardless of level of difficulty of the courses. The award 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 Academic Advisor’s Committee.
Last year’s winners included Erie Otters defenceman George Alboim and Flint Firebirds forward Ethan Hay, who each registered 95 percent averages in Grade 12 studies. Alboim became the first Otters player to ever win the award with excellence at Fairview High School and Blyth Academy, while Hay was a model student at Grand Blanc High School and Blyth Academy. Read More / Watch
Other past recipients have included Adam Pelech and brothers Dougie and Freddie Hamilton.
Contact Us:
Julie Kuiken
Director of Education Services
Ontario Hockey League
416-299-8700 ext. 421
[email protected]
