Release | Hawks’ Brayden Besner Receives Mark Yakabuski Award

Ottawa, ON – The Central Canada Hockey League is pleased to announce that Hawkesbury Hawks forward Brayden Besner has been named the recipient of the Mark Yakabuski Award (High School Academic Player of the Year) for the 2023/24 season.

The 2006 born Casselman, ON native is in his first season in the CCHL. While attending Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute, he as accumulated 31 points in 54 games. Besner’s marks for first semester were as follows; Grade 12 Advanced Functions (95%), Grade 12 Healthy Active Living (95%) and Grade 12 University Preparation Chemistry (90%). He was also named Player of the Week in the CCHL 12 weeks into the season. During the month of November, he was named Rookie of the Month and High School Academic Player of the Month.

“Brayden came in at the start of the season, dedicated to improve and do his best. Not only, is he a gifted skater, he is also a student of the game, he also puts a lot of importance on his academics. He has been able to balance his hectic hockey schedule and at the same time maintain his high standards for his academic acheivements. Good work Brayden, Keep it up!” Says Hawkesbury Hawks Head Coach Marc Bernique.

About the Mark Yakabuski Award

“Mark Yakabuski was a husband, father, brother, son, coach, executive leader and a pillar of his community”, said brother Matt Yakabuski. “From a young age, Mark loved the game of hockey and what it contributed to one’s overall health and wellness; not just physical health, but more importantly one’s mental health. As a youth, Mark played minor hockey locally in Ottawa, and Junior with Kanata Valley Lasers, Brockville Braves and Ottawa 67s. He also played professional hockey. As an adult, he became a fixture inside arenas across Ottawa, where he coached and mentored players with Stittsville Minor Hockey. On and off the ice, Mark had a big impact on those around him, always inspiring people to be their best.

“Be a good friend, Be a positive person, Influence others’ lives” – Mark Yakabuski

Related Posts