Lakehead Athletics and Thunderwolves Hockey are very happy to announce that Wolves hockey star and five-year captain Joel Scherban was awarded the RBC Academic All Canadian Top 8 Male Award Winner for the OUA conference. Winners are judged on their academic achievement, athletic achievement, team achievement, and community service. This is the first time ever that a Lakehead athlete has won this prestigious award. A female and male from each of the four conferences in the CIS are chosen at the end of each year. All eight winners are given a gift of 500 dollars from RBC as well as a beautiful watch from Tissot.
Scherban said he was very proud to be named the OUA winner. I am extremely honoured to be chosen as a recipient of the Top 8 Academic All-Canadian Award. I have always tried my hardest both in academics and sports. To be recognized for my achievements in a combination of both of these areas is very special to me. I would like to thank everyone involved with Lakehead University; especially the Faculty of Business and Thunderwolves Hockey for all of their support.
The Thunder Bay native achieved his RBC Academic All Canadian status this season under difficult circumstances; studying for a very challenging Masters of Science in Management degree and overcoming his newly diagnosed Type II Diabetes which was discovered during last years Christmas holiday break.
Lakehead President Dr. Fred Gilbert said Scherban has given a lot to Lakehead University. One of the premier understandings of varsity athletics is that the athlete is also a student. Given that the time demands of sport are so great it is especially gratifying to find that so many of our student athletes excel academically. It is even more gratifying when such an individual is recognised nationally. Joel Scherban has given so much to Lakehead University as an athlete so it is wonderful to see him also rewarded for his excellence in his academic program as an Academic All Canadian Top 8 Award winner. Well done Joel and thanks!
Scherban led the Thunderwolves to its first ever OUA Queens Cup title last season as well as a national silver medal. The Captain leaves as Lakehead hockeys all time leading scorer and as Lakehead Athletics most honoured athlete in terms of conference and national awards and honours.
Lakehead mens hockey Head coach Pete Belliveau said Scherban is a deserving winner. We are very happy for Joel's latest honour. This shows Joel's integrity as a complete student-athlete while pursuing his Masters in Management. Joel has been a role model for future Thunderwolves players. I wish him all the best in his future career!
Scherban adds the RBC Academic Canadian Top 8 Award to his 2005 Sullivan Trophy as the top male hockey player in the CIS, two CIS and OUA Most Sportsmanlike Player Awards, one OUA MVP Award, five selections as OUA First Team All Star, OUA Queens Cup Game Jack Kennedy MVP Award, and two selections as a CIS All Canadian; just to name some of his numerous awards.
Lakehead Athletics Director Tom Warden said the award is a fitting cap to Joels career. What more can I say but thanks again Joel for all your contributions to Lakehead and congratulations on winning this prestigious award. Joel is a deserving winner and I cant be more proud of any Lakehead student-athlete.
Scherban is now just completing his Masters thesis and is considering whether to continue his hockey career as a professional or move into the business world.