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Leaf and Scotian players awarded scholarships
The Nova Scotia Junior Hockey League Announced on Sunday recipients of two Memorial Scholarships Presented Annually in Memory of two former NSJHL Players who died so tragically.
The Andrew Picot Memorial Scholarship is being awarded to the Valley Maple Leafs Ryder Tolson for 2023-24. Tolson played forward for the Leafs and is a second year player that has shown his ability to adapt and play any role that is required from him. Ryder's passion and determination for the game was a staple all year in games and practices. Tolson provides the same dedication on the ice as he does to his studies. Ryder is described as a pleasure to coach while being respectful, kind and hardworking and a student of the game.
Tolson is in his third year of University, attending the Kinesiology program at Acadia receiving a 4.1 GPA last semester. Ryder looks to continue his fourth-year for a Kinesiology degree and follow that up with a masters in Education. Ryder hopes to one day become a Phys Ed teacher as he enjoys working with children.
When Ryder is not at school he volunteers as a Tennis and Hockey coach. Ryder spent last year mentoring the kids program at Atlantic Tennis Center and the previous year as an assistant coach with a minor midget hockey program. Ryder hopes to continue up the coaching ranks and expresses a desire to coach female hockey in the future, stating that the growth and strength of the game has been fun to watch over the last number of years.
The Andrew Picot Memorial Scholarship is presented in Memory of the former Sackville Blazers player who died in a motorcycle accident July 16/2019.
The Kale Mason Memorial Scholarship for 23-24 is being awarded to Blake MacLennan of the Pictou County Scotians. Blake is described by the Scotians Coaching Staff as one who “embodies the true meaning of a defensive defence man which the accumulated bumps and bruises from every shot he blocked this season will only enhance his style of play.” The Staff also noted, “he has a style of play that truly puts others ahead of himself and his development this year as a player has been astronomical.”
Blake is no stranger to the local community having worked the past two summers with the Town of Trenton setting up multiple recreational events while also taking the time to assist with the annual Stellarton Veteran’s Dinner held every November. Blake is just completing his first year studying Business Administration at the Nova Scotia Community College in Stellarton. He plans to attend NSCC again this fall before transferring to either St. F.X. or SMU for two additional years of study.
The Kale Mason Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually in memory of the former Scotians player who perished when he drowned May 19/2017.