The Pat Quinn Classic U15 Elite Invitational has announced the names of three players who have each received a $2,500 Vancouver Canucks Alumni Scholarship:
- Dylan Khakh, Vancouver North East Chiefs
- Tavon Peterson, Cariboo Cougars
- Austen Su, Delta Hockey Academy Prep
B.C. athletes registered in a B.C. U15 team in the tournament are eligible to apply for these scholarships that recognize Pat Quinn’s passion for creating leaders on and off the ice and his unwavering commitment to give back to the community.
“Each year, we continue to be impressed with the calibre of the scholarship applicants,” says Cliff Ronning, honourary chair of the Pat Quinn Classic. “The latest recipients once again show how these elite players contribute to their teams on the ice, while keeping up their studies in school and volunteering in their community.”
The 2024 U15 Elite Invitational scholarship recipients:
Dylan Khakh, Coquitlam, Vancouver North East Chiefs
Dylan is a 14-year-old with a deep passion for hockey who first put on skates at the age of three.
Beyond hockey, he has a wide range of interests such as reading books about history and sports. He enjoys paddleboarding, swimming and spending time with family and friends. At school, he’s particularly interested in mathematics and science. “My goal is to attend a top university where I can combine my love for hockey with my academic goals,” he says. “I believe education is the key to unlocking my full potential, and I am committed to working hard to achieve my dreams.”
He is a volunteer with the City of Coquitlam’s recreation programs for children where he coaches young kids in various sports including hockey. “This experience has been incredibly rewarding, as I get to share my love for the game and inspire the next generation of athletes. Volunteering has taught me the importance of leadership and the joy of helping others.”
Tavon Peterson, Prince George, Cariboo Cougars
Tavon, aged 14, started playing hockey when he was seven. While hockey is his favourite sport, he says multisport participation helps him to be an overall better hockey player and athlete. “I believe hockey is a privilege to play, so I give everything I can to respect the game,” he says. “I hope I can be a leader in this and help other people and players follow suit.”
In school, he maintains strong grades and has a goal of obtaining a degree in sports medicine.
Outside of school, he gives back to the community by helping his neighbours with yard work and donations to the shelters in Prince George. “My mom works at a school where there are less fortunate people, so we always like to find kids to give my shoes and clothes to when I grow out of them.” His dad started a small hockey rink that specializes in youth development. Tavon volunteers by coaching the younger kids and refereeing fun competitions.
Austen Su, Delta Hockey Academy Prep
Austen is a 14-year-old defenseman and one of the captains for the Delta Hockey Academy U15 Prep team.
He has played many sports such as soccer, baseball and football but hockey is his passion. “I see myself as a kind-hearted and trustworthy person who excels in making people comfortable around me,” he says. “Team sports have given me the ability to lead and collaborate with the friends and teammates that I have had the pleasure to interact with over the years.”
At school, he’s focused on working hard and receiving top grades in his academic courses so he can attend university.
Outside of hockey, he sees volunteering in his community as an opportunity to give back and help others in need. “The fact that I have the ability and the health today to make a difference in my community makes me extremely grateful knowing that others may not have what I have right now,” he says. He participates in community fundraisers and helps the elderly in his neighbourhood by doing small chores or shovelling snow.
About the Pat Quinn Classic U15 Elite Invitational scholarships
The scholarships are sponsored by the Vancouver Canucks Alumni under the name of Ernie Dougherty. Dougherty passed away in 2022 and was the last player remaining from the original Vancouver Canucks team in 1945-46. The selection committee, which includes a representative of the Quinn Family and Cliff Ronning, review the applications and select the recipients.
Pat Quinn Classic organizers are now focused on the December tournament featuring almost 50 teams in various U13, U15 and U17 categories. The scholarship application process for eligible players in that tournament will open in December- Click here.
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