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WHL Announces Academic Spotlight for November

December 13, 2019 - Western Hockey League (WHL) News Release


Calgary, Alta. - The Western Hockey League announced today the Academic Spotlight for November, featuring the East Division. Student athletes recognized this month for their academic achievements include forward Bode Hagan of the Brandon Wheat Kings, forward Eric Alarie of the Moose Jaw Warriors, forward Jakob Brook of the Prince Albert Raiders, forward Cale Sanders of the Regina Pats, forward Jayden Wiens of the Saskatoon Blades, and defenceman Carson Lambos of the Winnipeg ICE.

During the months of November through February, each of the WHL's 22 member Clubs will name a student-athlete that has achieved significant academic results as selected by the Club. Each month, one WHL Division will have their players celebrated in the Academic Spotlight:

Academic Spotlight Schedule

November - East Division

December - Central Division

January - U.S. Division

February - B.C. Division

WHL players recognized as Academic Achievers are observed as those striving to reach their full potential in their educational programs while balancing WHL commitments.

Bode Hagan, Brandon Wheat Kings: Rookie forward Bode Hagan, a 17-year-old product of Beaumont, Alta., and is enrolled at Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School. Hagan is currently taking Grade 12 courses in Law and English while also taking science courses online.

"Bode is a dedicated student and athlete," said Wheat Kings academic advisor Glenda Zelmer. "His desire to do his very best on the ice and in his academic courses is rewarded with excellent grades. Bode rises to the challenge and works just as hard when the team is on the road, as when they are home."

After making his debut during the 2018-19 WHL Regular Season, Hagan has appeared in 13 games during the 2019-20 WHL Regular Season, recording four assists.

Eric Alarie, Moose Jaw Warriors: The Warrior rookie is enjoying a productive season on and off the ice. Academically, the 16-year-old product of Winnipeg, Man. is enrolled at Vanier Collegiate Institute and taking distance education courses in Physical Science, History, and Career Life Work through his home province of Manitoba.

"Eric is a committed Grade 11 student athlete who is enrolled in both Saskatchewan and Manitoba courses," said Warriors academic advisor Rose Mary Hartney. "He is an independent self-starter who manages the expectations of both school and hockey."

Alarie is also a productive member of a young Warriors team, recording 10 points (3G-7A) in 27 games this season after making his WHL debut during the 2018-19 WHL Regular Season.

Jakob Brook, Prince Albert Raiders: The second-year forward on the defending WHL Champion Raiders is finding success in the classroom as well. A 17-year-old product of Roblin, Man., Brook is enrolled in Grade 12 at Carlton Comprehensive Public High School in Prince Albert and is taking Pre-Calculus, Physics, Biology, and Life Transitions.

"Jakob is conscientious student who is able to balance his academic and hockey commitments," said Raiders academic advisor Geraldine Arpin. "His work ethic, maturity, and diligence to his class work make him an exemplary leader for those around him."

The WHL Eastern Conference Scholastic Player of the Year in 2019, Brook is a 'C' rated prospect for the 2020 NHL Draft. He has nine points (3G-6A) in 27 games this season with the division-leading Raiders.

Cale Sanders, Regina Pats: The 17-year-old product of Claresholm, Alta. is enrolled at Michael A. Riffel Catholic High School in Regina, Sask. as well as taking online courses through the Alberta Distance Learning Centre. He's currently taking courses in English Language Arts, Biology, Physics and Social Studies to meet his academic goals.

"Cale's ability to balance his academic and hockey commitments is a direct result of his work ethic and determination. He is polite, responsible, honest, and a role model for others," said Pats academic advisor Dwayne Hinger.

After recording 35 points (16G-19A) in 35 games with the Edge School Prep team in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League, Sanders has appeared in 13 WHL regular season games with Regina.

Jayden Wiens, Saskatoon Blades: The 16-year-old from Carrot River, Sask. is finding success in academics and the game of hockey. Enrolled at City Park Collegiate, the first-year Blades forward is taking courses in Math, Psychology, and the English Language Arts.

"He is hard working and very motivated to do well in his studies," said Blades academic advisor Kim Grant. "He is managing three courses well in his first year in the WHL."

Through 31 games with the Blades in the 2019-20 WHL Regular Season, Wiens has managed six points (5G-1A), including one game-winning goal.

Carson Lambos, Winnipeg ICE: In his rookie season with the ICE, the 16-year-old Lambos is enrolled at Shaftesbury High School in his hometown of Winnipeg, Man. Lambos is excelling in Physics, Chemistry, and Canadian History.

"Carson continues to impress his teachers with his ability to maintain high grades in his courses, as well as being a productive member of the ICE," said ICE academic advisor Sherryann Clark. "Carson has become a respected leader to his peers."

The second-overall selection from the 2018 WHL Bantam Draft made his WHL debut during the 2018-19 WHL Regular Season, scoring the first goal of his career in his first game. His 13 points (5G-8A) rank second on the ICE in defensive scoring.

WHL Academic Achievers - November

Club Player Name School/Institution

Calgary Riley Fiddler-Schultz Edge School

Edmonton Dylan Guenther Salisbury Composite High School

Everett Olen Zellweger Everett High School

Kamloops Rayce Ramsay Thompson Rivers University

Kelowna Jake Poole Kelowna Secondary School

Lethbridge Chase Wheatcroft Chinook High School

Medicine Hat Daniel Baker Medicine Hat High School

Portland Tyson Kozak Sunset High School

Prince George Davin Griffin Prince George Secondary School

Red Deer Jaxsen Wiebe St. Gabriel Online School

Seattle Matthew Rempe Kentwood High School

Spokane Owen MacNeil Ferris High School

Swift Current Chase Lacombe Swift Current Comprehensive

Tri-City Ian Ferguson iUniversity Prep Texas

Vancouver Zack Ostapchuk South Delta Secondary

Victoria Tarun Fizer Victoria High School

Fully funded by WHL member Clubs, all current WHL players are encouraged to enroll in post-secondary courses. This season, over 160 current players are taking post-secondary courses while playing in the WHL. The financial assistance received for post-secondary studies while playing does not impact on the WHL Scholarship benefits a WHL player is entitled to upon graduating from the League.

Every player who plays in the WHL is eligible to receive the WHL Scholarship. For every season a player plays in the WHL, they receive a guaranteed, full-year WHL Scholarship, including tuition, textbooks and compulsory fees to a post-secondary institution of their choice. The WHL Scholarship is a fully-guaranteed academic scholarship with no requirement to play university hockey to qualify.

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