365 WHL Scholarships awarded to graduate players

Out of the 365 WHL Scholarship recipients, 234 are furthering their education at universities in Western Canada, with 145 of those playing Canadian University hockey at the U Sports level in the Canada West (CW) men’s hockey league. In many cases, these student athletes have combined their WHL Scholarship with additional financial assistance from Canada West Universities to receive the Western Canada Premier Hockey Scholarship.

The University of Saskatchewan leads all post-secondary institutions with 35 WHL graduates enrolled in full-time studies, while 31 are registered at the University of British Columbia. The University of Calgary (28), Mount Royal University (23), University of Regina (23), University of Alberta (21), University of Manitoba (21), and MacEwan University (16) also lead the way in enrolment.

Alberta leads all Western provinces, having produced 132 WHL graduates currently accessing the scholarship, followed by British Columbia (88), Saskatchewan (69), and Manitoba (47). A total of 29 U.S. and international WHL graduates are accessing their WHL Scholarship.

For the 2021-2022 academic year, 131 Scholarship recipients are enrolled at universities in Eastern Canada, Canadian colleges, trades or technical institutions, or attending post-secondary in the United States.

This season marks the 29th year of the program. Established on a league-wide basis in 1993-94, over 7,000 WHL Scholarships have been distributed, totalling an investment of more than $30 million by WHL Clubs. This academic year, WHL Clubs will contribute over $2.5 million for the 365 scholarships.

“The WHL and our 22 member Clubs are pleased to award WHL Scholarships to an impressive group of our graduate players, who are pursuing their post-secondary education,” said Robison.

Administered by the WHL Office, the scholarships are solely funded by the WHL member Clubs and every active player in the WHL is eligible as a recipient.

While the scholarships are distributed to players who graduate from the WHL, all current players are encouraged to enroll in post-secondary courses and these courses are also fully funded by WHL Clubs. On average, over 175 current WHL players take post-secondary courses while playing in the WHL, according to a release. The financial assistance received for post-secondary studies while playing does not impact the WHL Scholarship benefits a player is entitled to upon graduating from the League.

The WHL and Athabasca University have partnered to offer, through an online distance education platform, fully-accredited university courses to any WHL player interested in further pursuing post-secondary studies while playing in the League. On average, over 75 current WHL players take courses through Athabasca University.

A member of the Canadian Hockey League, the WHL has been a leading supplier of players for the National Hockey League for over 50 years and is regarded as the world’s finest development league for junior hockey players. The WHL is also the leading provider of hockey scholarships for League graduates to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice. Each season, WHL players also form the core of Canada’s National Junior Hockey Team.

A summary can be found below:

WHL Scholarships 2021-22
Canadian Universities, Western Canada – 234
Canadian Universities, Eastern Canada – 66
Canadian Colleges & other institutions – 50
U.S. Colleges & Universities – 15
Total WHL Graduate Scholarships – 365

WHL Graduates continuing to play hockey at the elite Canadian University or College level:
Canada West Conference – 145
Ontario University Athletics – 44
Atlantic University Sport Conferences – 16
Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) – 24
B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League (BCIHL) – 1
Total – 230

Provincial Summary: WHL Scholarships 2021-22
British Columbia – 88
Alberta – 132
Saskatchewan – 69
Manitoba – 47
USA / International – 29
Total – 365

by rdnewsNOW Staff

365 WHL Scholarships awarded to graduate players

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