The Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) in partnership with The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) is proud to announce the RBC Community Award finalists.
Throughout the season, each AJHL team nominated one player to become the RBC & AJHL Community Ambassador, in recognition of exemplary commitment to the community. At the conclusion of the regular season, one RBC & AJHL Community Ambassador will be selected as the recipient of the RBC Community Award and a $2,500 donation will be made by RBC to the charity or Family and Community Support Services program selected by the player.
The three finalists and members of the 2018-2019 RBC & AJHL Community Ambassador Team are Jacob Kendall (Camrose Kodiaks), Markus Boguslavsky (Drumheller Dragons), and Chase Stephenson (Lloydminster Bobcats).
Jacob Kendall, Camrose Kodiaks
Jacob is the first to step up any time anything is needed in the community. Jacob is the leader of the Kodiaks Cubs Club – a weekly school visit initiative encouraging students to be physically active and to work on literacy outside of school hours. He is also part of Read to Success, which encourages students in the Battle River School Division to read and meet individual goals. Jacob has been the leader in volunteer hours with Habitat for Humanity laying sod at four new homes in Camrose and has been instrumental in collecting and delivering food to the Camrose Food Bank.
Whenever there is a volunteer opportunity, Jacob steps up just like he does on the ice as a leader. Other volunteer activities of his include working with the KidSport Bicycle Safety Day, Kinsmen Kick Off Family Day BBQ, and Stollery Kids Day. Even in the off-season, Jacob has participated in the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event in support of the Camrose Women’s Shelter Society, and volunteers with his brother who is involved with Special Olympics Alberta.
Markus Boguslavsky, Drumheller Dragons
Markus is the team captain and has earned the honour of RBC & AJHL Community Ambassador from his conduct both on and off the ice. Markus has strong leadership characteristics and values community, family, and respect. He is a strong communicator and a positive reflection of one who lives by the Golden Rule. His value extends beyond simply showing up to scheduled community events; Markus treats everyone he meets in the community with care and undivided attention.
Markus led the charge in the renovation of an outdoor arena and has walked in community awareness campaigns. He acts as a role model in hockey schools as a lead instructor and joins minor hockey teams for practices. He approaches everything with enthusiasm and a positive attitude and that demeanor reflects the dynamics of the room he lights up.
Chase Stephenson, Lloydminster Bobcats
Chase is a true team player and puts the needs of his team and teammates above his own with pride. He guides the younger and older players on the team, always setting a good example with his hard work and his willingness to volunteer for community events. Not only does he volunteer in the community, he also encourages his teammates to get involved with him in various activities. His community outreach changes all the time depending on what events are happening, but he tries to lend a hand at as many different opportunities as possible.
Together Chase and his teammates have been volunteering their time in local elementary schools with math classes and reading sessions. Chase eagerly attends surrounding area minor hockey league practices and genuinely provides help and coaching to the younger players. Chase goes above and beyond the expectations of those around him and always strives for excellence. His work ethic, positive attitude, heart, hustle, and natural leadership qualities serve him well both in and away from the game of hockey.
The recipient of the RBC Community Award and the charity or Family and Community Support Services program selected for the $2,500 donation will be announced during the 2019 Inter Pipeline AJHL Playoffs.