A big scholarship was announced by the National Hockey League, Calgary Flames and Winnipeg Jets prior to the 2019 NHL Heritage Classic in Regina.

On Friday afternoon, the league and the two franchises pledged $300,000 for the ‘NHL Hockey Is For Everyone’ scholarship for the University of Regina and University of Saskatchewan.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, Flames president and CEO John Bean, and Jets executive chairman and governor Mark Chipman presented cheques totalling $150,000 to University of Regina president Dr. Vianne Timmons and University of Saskatchewan president Peter Stoicheff.

Timmons said the league approached the university with an interest to leave a lasting legacy in the community. After the sides brainstormed different possibilities, they came up with the idea of a scholarship.

However she says this fund is more of an endowment that they can use the interest to keep it as an ongoing scholarship.

“It was a big surprise for me and a thrill,” said Timmons. “I think the NHL should be complimented on their thoughtfulness and their forward thinking.”

The scholarship will be given to one female and one male hockey student at each of the universities. Each of the four recipients will be chosen based on the core values of ‘Hockey Is For Everyone,’ meaning they will be selected on their strive to provide a positive and inclusive environment, while also showing leadership and good sportsmanship on and off the ice.

Timmons stressed that recipients won’t be picked solely on marks or athletics, but students who are well-rounded and who demonstrate the values of the university, too.

The University of Regina expects the scholarship will be available next September for the 2020-2021 school year. While details for the scholarship still need to be ironed out, the money will be a one-year grant to aid in covering post-secondary costs.

(ckrm)