The Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL) is excited to announce the winners of the Student-Athlete of the Month Award for September/October 2026: Matteo Arriaga, Ava McDermid, Bogdan Ibragimov, Oakley Speckman, Vojta Svoboda, Reed Hickman, Nixon Bettenson
This award is aimed at recognizing the student-athletes within the CSSHL and acknowledges their hard work, dedication, commitment, leadership, academics and community impact.
We would like to congratulate these four student-athletes, who were all nominated by their programs, for their hard work in the month of September.
East Division – Matteo Arriaga, CIH Academy
“Captain Matteo Arriaga has shown great leadership off the ice. He has demonstrated his ability to be a respectful leader and leads by example. In class he has been working hard as well as helping translate (from English to Spanish) for some new students. He is generous with his time and is always willing to help his teachers or classmates.”
Women’s U18 Prep – Ava McDermid, RHA Kelowna
“Ava McDermid is an exceptional student-athlete who perfectly embodies the discipline, leadership, and work ethic required to earn the CSSHL Student-Athlete of the Month honours.
Over the last couple of years, her coach and I have had the privilege of watching her balance a rigorous academic schedule with the intense demands of a competitive hockey academy. Ave does not just manage both; she excels in both.
Unwavering Work Ethic: Whether it is an 8:00 AM ice session or a late-night study group, she approaches every commitment with maximum effort.
Natural Leadership: She leads by example on the ice and in the classroom. She is the first to support a struggling teammate and the first to volunteer for extra academic responsibilities. Always happy to host her teammates for team bonding.
Resilience Under Pressure: Hockey teaches accountability and quick decision-making. Ava brings that same calm, focused problem-solving ability to her academic pursuits and community life. Exceptional Time Management: Ava consistently maintains top-tier grades while never missing a practice, game, or team meeting.
On the ice, they are a selfless team player who reads the game beautifully and elevates the play of everyone around them. Any time I have reached out for suggestions for nominations, she is always the player that her coach first thinks of. Off the ice, they carry themselves with humility, integrity, and a genuine desire to succeed. Her teachers consistently give position feedback such as:
Ava is a deeply reflective individual and dynamic member of the class who often leads group discussions, takes care to out forth her best effort, and contributes positively to the overall learning environment. Ava is a thoughtful student who is always willing to consider the opinions and perspectives of others, regularly lead group discussions, and consistently puts in her best effort
“You are the dedicated and engaged learner who brings a genuine curiosity and appreciation for learning to our classroom. You communicate your ideas clearly, work well with others, and demonstrate strong leadership by helping to set a positive and focused tone for those around you”
I believe that Ava McDermid is the epitome of a Student Athlete that has a very bright future in both hockey and academics. She is incredibly deserving of the honour and recognition.”
U15 – Bogdan Ibragimov, North Shore Warriors
“Bogdan has been recognized by the staff at North Shore Academy for his excellence in Mathematics and his positive contribution to the school’s culture and learning environment. He is a high-achieving student who goes beyond his own academic success by helping classmates understand course material and providing peer tutoring. Bogdan demonstrates a strong commitment to both his education and the success of those around him. We are very grateful to have him as a member of our Academy, and he is an excellent example of the values we strive to promote in our student-athletes.”
U15 Prep – Oakley Speckman, Okanagan Hockey Academy
“As a returning student-athlete, Oakley has demonstrated outstanding leadership, maturity, and a strong commitment to creating a positive team environment. From the beginning of the season, he has taken it upon himself to set a great example for his teammates, particularly those who are new to the academy.
In the classroom and throughout academy life, Oakley consistently demonstrates the qualities of a positive leader. He is a respected voice among his teammates and leads through his actions, showing an understanding of the importance of accountability, teamwork, and supporting those around him. His willingness to step forward and help create a strong team culture has made a positive impact on the group.
Beyond the classroom, Oakley has gone above and beyond to bring his teammates together. He has taken the initiative to organize team activities on scheduled days off, helping build connections and strengthen relationships within the group. His efforts demonstrate that his leadership extends beyond scheduled academy activities and that he genuinely cares about the experience and success of his teammates.
Overall, Oakley Speckman is a deserving candidate for the CSSHL U15 Division Student of the Month for September/October. His leadership, initiative, and positive influence within the dressing room and the broader OHA community make him an excellent example of the character and commitment we value in our student-athletes.”
U17 – Vojta Svoboda, Pilot Mound Hockey Academy
“Vojta Svoboda of Pilot Mound Hockey Academy U17 is a deserving candidate for CSSHL Student-Athlete of the Month. Originally from Prague, Czech Republic, Vojta has demonstrated determination and resilience in his development as a goaltender. Through six games this season, he has recorded an impressive .926 save percentage, showcasing his ability to compete and give his team a chance to win. His commitment to improving his game, adapting to a new environment, and balancing the demands of academics and hockey reflects the dedication and character of a true student-athlete. Vojta exemplifies the perseverance and work ethic that the CSSHL strives to recognize.”
U17 Prep – Reed Hickman, Wenatchee Wild Hockey Academy
“Reed currently has straight A’s which to go along with his cumulative High School GPA of 3.77 shows his dedication in the classroom. Reed leads through example both with his performance and discipline in school and his positive attitude toward everyone else and his willingness to always help out his teammates. I am confident as his coach that if the team ever needs anything that Reed will be one of the first to volunteer to serve.”
U18 Prep – Nixon Bettenson, South Alberta Hockey Academy
“Nixon Bettenson is an outstanding student-athlete who consistently demonstrates strong leadership, dedication, and character both on and off the ice. He leads by example through his exceptional work ethic, commitment to improvement, and willingness to support and encourage his teammates. Nixon has earned the respect of his peers through his integrity, accountability, and the positive influence he brings to the team environment. In the classroom, he demonstrates the same discipline and determination that define his approach to hockey, maintaining his status as an honour roll student. His ability to balance the demands of competitive hockey with academic excellence speaks to his maturity, time management, and commitment to personal growth.”
