There are a few things in life that are special beyond the normal use of the word. This scholarship is in this ‘special’ category for me.
2011 was the first year for the award and a young defenseman from Edmonton, Alberta, Bretton Stamler, was the winner. I was at the first game Bretton played for UNB and my thought then watching him play was that he was going to be special. I am happy to say that is exactly what Bretton has become to the program.
Here is part of the award description…The successful recipient must possess a high level of physical fitness, have an outstanding work ethic, be community-minded and a team leader on and off the ice. The recipient must have demonstrated successful academic performance (minimum 2.5 scholarship grade point average)…awarded on the recommendation of the Athletic Director in consultation with the UNB hockey coach.
Donor: Alumni of the 1983-84 UNB men’s hockey team.
The 1983-84 UNB players fall into that same ‘special’ category for me. I have never coached a finer group of players who are even better people.
Below is 2011-12 winner Bretton Stamler.