Fondation de l’athlète d’excellence and Canadiens de Montréal: $50,000 $ in scholarships for 25 promising student-athletes in hockey

Montreal (March 24, 2021) – The Foundation for Athletic Excellence (FAEQ) continues to support the best up-and-coming female and male hockey players through the Montreal Canadiens Scholarship Program within the FAEQ. This year, 25 student-athletes in hockey who have distinguished themselves through their academic achievements shared 50,000 $ in scholarships, with each receiving 2,000 $.

Now in its 14th year, the Montreal Canadiens Scholarship Programme is managed by the FAEQ in partnership with Hockey Québec, the Midget AAA Hockey League (LHMAAAQ), the RSEQ, and the School Prep Hockey League (LHPS). Ranging in age from 15 to 18, the 25 recipients were chosen based on their talent and athletic achievements, but above all for their highly commendable academic journeys during this most unusual season. One scholarship recipient was chosen from each of the 15 LHMAAAQ teams, 8 among the female hockey players of Team Québec, 1 from within the RSEQ structure, and 1 other from the LHPS program. One of the eligibility criteria is the pursuit of studies, supporting preparation for life after their athletic careers.

This support comes in addition to that recently announced by the FAEQ in collaboration with the Molson Foundation, which have joined forces with the QMJHL and Sport-Études Alliance to enhance the supervision and support of QMJHL players through their transition to pursuing post-secondary studies or entering the job market.

What they said:

«For 14 years now, we have been proud to team up with the FAEQ to recognize the perseverance and achievements of elite-level student-athletes in hockey and to offer them our support. In this atypical year, which saw the cancellation of hockey games and tournaments as well as the need to adapt to virtual schooling, we feel it is all the more important to applaud their efforts and resilience. We are firmly committed to encouraging them to continue their academic and hockey journey and to keep their sights on their dreams and ambitions.»

– Geoff Molson, President and CEO of the Montreal Canadiens Hockey Club

«Hockey holds a huge place in Quebec's history, and the Fondation de l'athlète d'excellence is truly grateful to be able to count on the most prestigious partner of this sport in the world. The Montreal Canadiens hockey club cares deeply about the success of the province's top student-athletes in hockey, and its support encourages them to push their limits, not just on the ice, but in the classroom as well. I repeat it every year, but what a feeling for them to see their efforts recognized by the most famous hockey club in the world!»

– Claude Chagnon, President of the FAEQ

Several former scholarship holders of the Montreal Canadiens have distinguished themselves, including the Olympic medalists Marie-Philip Poulin, Mélodie Daoust, Lauriane Rougeau and Ann-Renée Desbiens. The very first pick of the last draft, Alexis Lafrenière, of the New York Rangers, is also part of the impressive select group, which includes, among others Samuel BlaisSaint Louis Blues, Maxime Comtois Anaheim Ducks, Anthony Duclair Florida Panthers, Samuel Girard (Colorado avalanche), Michael Matheson Pittsburgh Penguins and Nicolas RoyLas Vegas Golden Knights.

2021 MONTREAL CANADIENS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM RECIPIENTS

(25 scholarships of 2,000 $ each)