Burnaby, B.C. – Two U15 players registered for the 2021 Pat Quinn Classic hockey tournament have been awarded Vancouver Canucks Alumni Scholarships.
Tyler Godfrey, a 15-year-old player with Burnaby Minor Hockey Team A1 and 14-year-old Taylor Gray of the U15 A1 Tri-City Predators have each earned a $1,000 scholarship, sponsored by the Vancouver Canucks Alumni Association.
Even though COVID-19 pandemic restrictions forced the cancellation of the 2021 tournament, organizers decided to award the annual scholarships to recognize young players who demonstrate leadership on the ice, strong academics and a commitment to giving back to their community.
“We felt it was very important to keep the momentum of the tournament going by awarding scholarships, despite the 2021 tournament cancellation,” said Cliff Ronning, Honourary Chair of the Pat Quinn Classic. “These two recipients are fine hockey players and their commitment to sport extends to their studies in school and community involvement.”
2021 Pat Quinn Classic Vancouver Canucks Alumni Scholarships
Tyler Godfrey, Burnaby Minor Hockey A1
A grade 9 student at Burnaby South Secondary, Tyler Godfrey is on the U15 A1 team for Burnaby Minor. “I love playing hockey. I love being on the ice as much as I can to develop my skills to be
a great hockey player,” said Godfrey. “Hockey is a big part of my life, I’ve made so many friends, it is a fun sport.” He has volunteered with Thank Dog I am Out, an organization that helps people adopt rescue dogs. Godfrey wants to make it as far as he can in hockey and is considering a future career in law enforcement. “This scholarship will help me achieve my goals. I want to keep developing to be the best player I can be on the ice, and off the ice too.”
Taylor Gray, U15 Tri-City Predators
A grade 8 student at John Knox Christian School in New Westminster, Taylor Gray plays for the U15 A1 Tri-City Predators. “Hockey has really helped me grow as a person, both mentally and physically, give back to my community, and prepare me for my future,” said Gray. “Playing hockey is just so familiar and an important part of my life. It has taught me about friendships and leadership.” Last year, Gray participated in a skate-a-thon with her team and raised $4,600 for the SHARE Family and Community Services food bank in the Tri-Cities. She competed in the Pat Quinn Classic in 2019, and said it was “a cool experience.” For future studies, Gray is considering business, architecture and interior design at the University of British Columbia.
About the Pat Quinn Classic
Held annually at the end of December in Burnaby, the Pat Quinn Classic attracts top minor hockey teams from Western Canada and the United States. The 2020 and 2021 tournaments were not held, but organizers are planning a return to the ice in December 2022 to mark the 60th anniversary of the annual holiday season tournament, started in 1962 by the Burnaby Minor Hockey Association The tournament became the Pat Quinn Classic in 2015. Proceeds go to the Pat Quinn Legacy Fund. Managed by Hockey Canada, the fund supports players in post-secondary education after their hockey careers. Quinn is one of the most recognizable faces in Canadian sport and has made an enormous contribution to sport in British Columbia and Canada.
MEDIA CONTACT:
info@patquinnclassic.com