PHOTO courtesy icelevel.com
The Central Canada Hockey League is pleased to announce Carleton Place Canadians ’98 born D Owen Grant as the winner of the 2016-2017 RBC/Arthur K Nielsen Memorial Award. This award goes to the player who combines hockey excellence, academic success and also volunteer activities.
This year Owen has played in 55 of the teams games recording 24 points. During Owen’s time with the Canadians he been part of: three (3) CCHL Regular Season Championships; two (2) Bogart Cup Championships; and two (2) Fred Page Championships. He has also participated in two (2) RBC National Championship tournaments. Along with his participation with the Carleton Place Canadians Owen has also participated in the 2016 CJHL Top Prospects Game and been a two (2) time member of Team Canada East at the World Junior A Challenge. In 2016 Owen captained the silver medal winning team and was named the tournament’s Best Defenseman. Given Owen’s leadership and dedication he was awarded the role of Assistant Captain for the Canadians this year.
While Owen’s on ice record is extraordinary his performance in the class room is even stronger. Owen graduated with a 92% average from High School. During each year of school Owen received the Ottawa Carleton District School Board Academic Medal (90%+ average). He followed this up with a 1760 in his SATs. In the fall of 2016 he registered to take a Microeconomics course in which he scored an “A+”. He continues to take high level courses during the 2017 Winter semester. Given his success both on the ice and in the classroom, Owen has received a scholarship to the University of Vermont in 2017. Here Owen will either pursue a program in Engineering or Business.
In the community Owen is also an All-Star. He is an instrumental part of the Carleton Place Canadian’s presence in local schools. Owen can be counted on to participate at local elementary schools supporting their activities, providing tickets to the students and participating in reading programs. He is there to support and talk to the students, carrying on a tradition of past Canadians players. At the community level Owen is a dedicated volunteer. He not only participates in team led events in the community he also has participated directly in activities supporting programs such as Canadian Tire’s Jump Start program. Owen also dedicates his time and efforts to supporting Food Banks in Stittsville and Carleton Place. Here, Owen not only works at the Banks he also participates in fundraising and food drives to support the stocking of the Food Banks shelves. Hockey related Owen is always available to skate with local minor hockey players during practice and to help local coaches deliver their practice plan. On top of this Owen participates in local hockey events in support of members of the community facing distress.
Owen Grant is an exceptional example of not just a hockey player but as a young man. He demonstrates poise and leadership in all aspects of his life and a maturity beyond his years. Given his strong attributes and demeanor he a positive role model for not only for local youth but also a great example to his teammates of how they should conduct themselves.
