Castlegar Rebels goalie Ethan Lawczynski is the recipient of the 2024 Remembering Grant Sheridan Scholarship.
The $1500 scholarship is awarded annually by the MindRight for Athletes Society to one exceptional Kootenay International Hockey League (KIJHL) student-athlete. It was named in memory of the longtime Kelowna Chiefs owner and general manager.
“Ethan is an exceptionally deserving recipient of the Grant Sheridan Scholarship. His dedication to academic excellence, paired with his extensive engagement in community service, enhances the scholarship’s legacy,” says Myles Mattila, founder of the MindRight for Athletes Society. “Ethan demonstrates similar characteristics to past recipients, showcasing strong leadership qualities that resonate perfectly with the scholarship’s values.”
“I was pretty thrilled and I’m sure there are a lot of people that applied for the scholarships,” says Lawczynski. “It’s pretty exciting knowing that the things I’ve done in the KIJHL have translated into something that I can use going into the future and to my education.”
Lawczynski has been a key to Castlegar hockey since his days in minor hockey. He graduated from Stanley Humphries Secondary School in 2021 with straight As.
The 20 year old now plans to study engineering at the University of Alberta to become either an aeronautical or mechanical engineer in the aviation industry.
He also plans to try out for the Golden Bears men’s hockey team.
Lawczynski has also been recognized by the Castlegar Rebels several times. He is a two-time recipient of the Rebels’ Gerry Lacasse Memorial Award for exemplifying leadership, work ethic, follow-through, fortitude and heart. He was also named the Rebels Most Improved Player in 2022, and received the Sport and Education award in 2020.
Lawczynski is also known around Castlegar for his volunteer work.
With the Rebels, he coached minor hockey goalies, volunteered with the Terry Fox Run and emceed the local Breakfast with Santa.He has also helped with food bank fundraisers, volunteered as a basketball and swim coach and more.
“Being involved in the community is really important and having an engaged fan base helps a lot,” he says. “Having kids recognize you is always something that makes me pretty happy. I’m proud to play for my hometown team and I think serving the community is part of that pride. Hopefully I can inspire those kids like I was once inspired by watching the Rebels play.”
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