Dan Wedman Awarded Evolution Hockey Scholarship

Press Release

 Dan Wedman of the Bonnyville Pontiacs has been awarded the Evolution Hockey Award for Perseverance and Dedication and become the first ever recipient of the award.    Pontiacs alumnus and Evolution Hockey Owner, Jay Blakley, presented the award to Dan Wedman prior to tonight’s AJHL Playoff game in Bonnyville.

The Evolution Hockey Award for Perseverance and Dedication was developed to promote post-secondary education by assisting students currently playing in the AJHL.    The Alberta Junior Hockey League and Evolution Hockey announced the creation of the new scholarship in January 2014.   Eligible applicants must be committed to attend a post-secondary institution either in Canada or the United States for the following season, and have completed at least one full season in the League.   A $1,500 scholarship will be awarded annually to a current AJHL player.

Dan Wedman (Edmonton, AB) is an 18 year-old defencemen and a second year member of the Bonnyville Pontiacs.  Wedman has committed to Cornell University for the 2014/2015 season.  Pontiacs GM / Head Coach Rick Swan identifies Wedman as a  proven leader for the Pontiacs this season, “On a high performing team you can’t underestimate the power of a great leader, and with Dan he helps unify a group of 25 young men from different backgrounds and experience to believe in a common goal together.”

“Dan is a tireless worker off the ice through his approach to school as well as volunteering in the community,” added Swan. “He is an honor student and his SAT scores are considered elite. Dan is an exceptional individual who possesses many admirable qualities reflected in good citizens such as integrity, commitment, a drive to succeed, and wisdom.”

“We are very pleased to present the very first Evolution Hockey Award for Perseverance and Dedication to Dan Wedman of the Bonnyville Pontiacs,” said Evolution Hockey co-owners Chad Shiel and Jay Blakley.  “Dan has shown the qualities and characteristics both on and off the ice that make him deserving of this award and scholarship. We want to wish Dan all the best as he moves forward athletically and scholastically next season playing for Cornell University.”

(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)