Since he was three years old, hockey has always been a big part of Conner Schmidt’s life.
Little did he know, years later, the game would help further his studies after high school.
On June 7, the Grade 12 Wellington Heights Secondary School student from Arthur received the Ontario Minor Hockey Association’s (OMHA) $5,000 bursary.
The bursary was presented in collaboration with Dairy Farmers of Ontario.
Schmidt was one of only eight recipients to receive the award, selected from among thousands of applicants who applied across the province.
“I was overwhelmed to hear I was one of the recipients. I honestly couldn’t believe it. When the email came through from the representatives from OMHA, I had to read it twice just to make sure I was reading what I was reading,” Schmidt said.
“I am very grateful just knowing that this can really help towards my schooling, It’s a lot of weight off my shoulders.”
Having just finished final exams, Schmidt hopes that in a few years, he’ll be back in his hometown, teaching high school.
“That is my plan. Next year, I’ll be attending Lakehead University at the Orillia campus studying a major in history, and the intermediate senior concurrent education program,” Schmidt said.
The OMHA’s criteria for bursary winners are students who assist in building stronger and healthier communities through volunteering and extracurriculars, achieving on-ice success, and a passion for the game of hockey and sport community.
And lastly, students should demonstrate a dedication to studies and attainment of high grades in the classroom while being leaders in school.
When applying, Schmidt wrote about his hockey achievements, extracurricular activities and his community service, in and outside of school.
“This was definitely the hardest scholarship I had to apply for. I had to write a one-page letter of request, explain why I am deserving of the bursary, and provide letters of recommendation from teachers, hockey coaches and members of the community,” he said.
“I ended up having about seven or eight letters of recommendation. And then I had to provide report cards to prove my academic standing as well.”
The 18-year-old said winning the bursary is one of his proudest accomplishments.
“Being at the ceremony was great. It was the weekend of the Ontario Minor Hockey annual general meeting. They held a dinner along with the awards ceremony where they introduced each bursary recipient,” Schmidt said.
“It was cool to be a part of that. I’ve grown up playing in the OMHA for about 14-15 years, so sitting at a table with the board directors and the president, it was really neat.”
Schmidt began his hockey journey in Arthur.
“I played all the way up into my minor peewee year. And then I was fortunate enough to make it to the single A team in Centre Wellington. I played a couple years for the Fusion and then when COVID-19 hit, I came home. It was nice to end off my minor career where I started in Arthur, with my buddies,” Schmidt said.
“I play as a right winger. My best friend, who born on the same day as me, has always played centre. So with me on the right wing, we just always seem to find each other on the ice.”
And just this year, Schmidt discovered a different aspect of the game.
“I helped coach the U11’S AND U9’S. That was just awesome, just being able to give back to the younger generation. I still hope to find some hockey at school. But I’ve also just found a new love for coaching. It's great to still be involved with the game that way,” he said.
Encouraging other students, Schmidt says first and foremost, they should get out and be involved with the community.
“There’s plenty of different ways you can get involved. Even in a small community like Arthur, there are so many things that youth can get involved with. And that meet their interests too,’ he said.
“For me, I have a love and passion for sports. Even just helping with the local associations or refereeing, time keeping, or coaching, there are so many different ways to get involved. I think community service not only helps the betterment of the community, but it also separates you from any other candidates too. I think that’s something they really look for at OMHA when picking recipients.”
Schmidt said hockey has taught him many valuable life lessons over the years.
“Even just basic stuff like being a teammate, being a leader, and making lifelong friendships. It’s one of those things that you don’t truly appreciate until it’s done. And when you look back at it, you realize it. Hockey teaches you things like learning to be humble after a win, or how to handle conflict with coaches or teammates,” Schmidt said.
Schmidt is grateful to all of his past minor hockey coaches, his family, friends and all the teachers who helped along the way.
“They have all had a massive influence on my career choice. Thank you to everybody who has been involved throughout my childhood and in minor hockey. There are so many life lessons I’ve learned,” Schmidt said.
“Every kid who plays hockey dreams of winning a Stanley Cup. But even if your dreams don’t make it, if you play the game, there’s so much you can take with you."
