St. Vital Jr. Victorias Scholarships

TEAM SCHOLARSHIPS

Clifford "Kip" Kelly Memorial Scholarship

Kip Kelly had a long relationship with hockey in the St. Vital area. From September 2000 until his sudden passing on January 12, 2004, Kip was the beloved Equipment Manager for the St. Vital Victorias Major Junior Hockey Club. He was appreciated for his good humor, hard work, and absolute devotion to the players and team. Kip was a friend to all and will be greatly missed.

This scholarship award, put forth by the Kelly family in honor of Kip, is presented annually to a Junior Victoria player, who, in addition to maintaining excellent scholastic standing, must also display the kindness, compassion, and devotion exemplified by Kip Kelly.

Recipients:

• 2024 Reece Whyte
• 2023 Denis Gagnon
• 2022 Ryland Nechwediuk
• 2020 Justin Engel
• 2019 Reese Jones
• 2018 Jordan Ivanyshyn
• 2017 Alex Joyal
• 2016 Easton Oliver-Hanna
• 2015 Nolan Bray
• 2014 Michael Moore
• 2013 Paul Kastes 
• 2012 Michael Moore
• 2011 Christian Peloquin
• 2010 Terrell Hince
• 2009 Dan Bushuk
• 2008 Trevor Angus
• 2007 Kyle Shewchuk
• 2006 Kyle Harden
• 2005 Kyle Donnelly
• 2004 Kevin Stewart

Rick Cancilla Memorial Scholarship

Rick Cancilla was a St. Vital resident who played his minor hockey in the Vics' AA program. Rick played three years with the Major Junior Club from 1988-91. At only 5’9", Rick was a quick forward with a natural scoring ability. He will always be remembered for his reputation as a team player and for being a winner.  

Tragically, Rick passed away as a result of an automobile accident on September 2, 1995. Beginning in 2011, the Cancilla family has put forth a $1,000 yearly scholarship in Rick's honor. The scholarship is to be presented to a Junior Victoria player who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement coupled with excellent leadership skills.

Recipients:

• 2024 Alessandro Imbrogmo
• 2023 Denis Gagnon
• ​2022 Tyler Rubigny
• 2020 Devan Vercaigne
• ​​2019 Justin Engel
• 2018 Kevin Lamb
• ​2017 KC Mason
• ​2016 Danick Levesque
• ​2015 Tyler Pchajek
• ​2014 Nolan Bray
• 2013 Brent Wolfe
• 2012 Christian Peloquin
• 2011 Trevor Angus

Myles Marchenko Memorial Scholarship

Myles Marchenko spent the majority of his hockey career in St. Vital. None of these times were more memorable to him than his final year with the Junior Victorias when they captured their first and only Championship title. People knew him as an intense competitor and a protector with the heart of a lion. During his time with the Junior Victorias, he forged bonds with teammates and fans alike that he held close to his heart until his passing in 2009.

This scholarship, donated by the Marchenko family, is presented annually to a Junior Victoria player who exudes the same determination and dedication that Myles did every time he stepped on the ice. Additionally, this individual is dedicated to the pursuit of continuing education and self-betterment. 

Recipients:

• 2024 Tyler Rubigny
• 2023 Ryland Nechwediuk
• ​2022 Kyle Lang
• ​2020 Mason Swerdyliak
• ​2019 Devan Vercaigne
• 2018 Justin Engel​
• ​2017 Nolan Bray
• ​2016 KC Mason
• ​2015 Jayden Buchanan
• ​2014 Danick Levesque
• 2013 Tyler Pchajek
• ​2012 Andrew Dunsmore
• 2011 Tim Hook
• 2010 Dan Bushuk
• 2009 Trevor Angus

Junior Victorias Alumni Scholarship

Beginning in 2010, in appreciation of their time spent in the program and in recognition of the commitment required to play junior hockey, members of the St. Vital Major Junior Victorias' alumni have put forth a scholarship. 

The yearly scholarship is awarded to a Junior Victoria player who has achieved excellent academic standing as a full-time student, all the while being fully committed to the hockey program.

Recipients:

• 2024 None awarded
• 2023 None awarded
• ​2022 Braydon Clark, Reese Whyte, Daniel Paseschnikoff
• 2020 Tyson Last, Serge Simard, Mikael Berard
• 2019 Devan Vercaigne
• 2018 Justin Engel​
• ​2017 Nolan Bray
• ​2016 Brendan Reichardt
• ​2015 KC Mason
• ​2014 Jared Neufeld
• 2013 Easton Oliver-Hanna 
• ​2012 Tim Hook
• 2011 Dan Bushuk
• 2010 Tanner Nicoll

Jim Bateman Scholarship

Jim is a long-time executive member and inductee into the Vics Hall of Fame. Jim sponsors a scholarship awarded each year to a Victoria player to further his education.

Recipients:

• 2024 Ryland Nechwediuk
• 2023 Luke Elliott
• ​2022 Dennis Gagnon
• 2020 Troy Earl
• ​2019 Reese Jones
• ​2018 Mason Swerdyliak
• ​2017 Nolan Bray
• ​2016 Nolan Bray
• ​2015 Danick Levesque
• ​2014 Tyler Pchajek
• 2013 Dylan Brako
• 2012 Paul Kastes

Charlie Van De Keere Memorial Scholarship

Charlie Van De Keere, a lifelong resident of St. Vital, learned to skate on the Seine River and went on to play for the St. Vital Bruins, St. Emile Flyers and was even a player for hire by rural teams that needed a fast skater and good shot. Following his playing days, Charlie was a Coach for the St. Vital Victorias and always an avid fan cheering on his son and grandchildren when they joined the Vics. He is remembered as a very gifted hockey player who played with passion and played to win, once scoring 7 goals in one game and having a few Gordie Howe hat tricks along the way.

This $500 scholarship, donated by the Van De Keere family in honour of Charlie, is presented annually to a deserving Junior Victoria player who plays with passion and determination on the ice while also maintaining a high academic standard in post-secondary education.

 Recipients:

• 2024 Seth Hlady
• 2023 Luke Elliott
• 2022 Devon Vercaigne
• 2020 Reese Ketler

Phil Mager Scholarship

The Phil Mager Award recognizes a Junior Vics player who demonstrates a strong work ethic, a passion for hockey and helping others. Phil was born and raised in St. Vital and began volunteering in the hockey community as his three sons took up the sport. His involvement grew over the years; from coaching, to serving on the Executive Board at Glenlee Community Centre (1976-1988) where he was recognized as an Honourary Lifetime Member for his contributions. He later joined the Vics Major Junior Board where he volunteered for 22 years before retiring in 2016. Phil’s love of hockey, readiness to help others and his sense of community are the inspiration behind this award. 

This annual scholarship was established in celebration of Phil’s 80^th birthday in 2022 by his family.

Recipients:

• 2024 Denis Gagnon
• 2023 Ryland Nechwediuk

MMJHL SCHOLARSHIPS - JR. VICS RECIPIENTS

Norm Slobodzian Memorial Scholarship

Recipients:

• 2011 Christian Peloquin
• 2009 Trevor Angus

Anthony McLaughlin Memorial Scholarship

Recipients:

• 2024 Tyler Rubigny
• 2023 Ryland Nechwediuk
• 2019 Devan Vercaigne
• ​2018 Jordan Ivanyshyn

Nick Hill Memorial Scholarship

Recipients:

• 2010 Dan Bushuk
• 2004 Justin Fast (inaugural recipient)

Earl Ormshaw Memorial Scholarship

Recipients:

• 2019 Reese Jones

EMCO Corporation Scholarship

Recipients:

• 2024 Alessandro Imbrogno

Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame Scholarship

Recipients:

• 2024 Ryland Nechwediuk