Fort McMurray Oil Barons Team Captain Tyler Dea is the recipient of the 2016 Gas AJHL Drive Scholarship. Dea was presented the annual scholarship in a ceremony prior to Sunday’s Gas Drive AJHL Playoff Game in Fort McMurray, AB.
The Gas Drive AJHL Scholarship Program provides one current or former AJHL Athlete with a $1,500 scholarship towards their post-secondary education at the conclusion of each season. The scholarship is awarded to the player deemed most deserving among the sixteen applicants (one per AJHL team). Applicants were required to submit an essay describing what they have learned from playing hockey and how they can apply this in their lives after hockey as well as a nomination letter from the Coaching Staff.
Oil Barons Head Coach Tom Keca described Dea as ‘a phenomenal role model for the rest of our team to look up to.’ Keca praised his leadership skills, commitment and maturity, “He has done a phenomenal job and I consider myself extremely lucky to have a leader such as Tyler Dea on our team. His dedication to the team, both on the ice and off is a coach’s dream.”
“I have had the pleasure of coaching Tyler Dea this year and during this time, I have been extremely impressed with his commitment to the “team” philosophy we incorporate in our organization,” stated Keca within the letter of recommendation.
”Whether it’s spearheading our off-ice dryland training, organizing team functions, or taking charge in the dressing room, he feels comfortable in all situations. He is always one of the first to volunteer when it comes to community events and any function we have for our public relations department.”
“On the ice, Tyler is consistently one of the hardest working players in practices and games. He is valuable, not just because he plays important minutes in all situations, but because he does all the little things necessary to become successful. His work ethic is contagious and he is respected not only by his teammates, but by his opponents as well. “
“Tyler’s maturity is ever evolving as he balances his role as a leader, teammate, and a friend. He has the important quality of making each single player feel valued with his reassuring nature, while still keeping everyone focused on the task at hand. He is a vital bridge between us as coaches and the players in our dressing room. He is someone whose opinion we respect and take into account on a regular basis. Because of his nature, upbringing, and morals, Tyler is one of those individuals that you know will be successful in whatever he attempts to do.”