The Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL) is excited to announce the four winners of the Student-Athlete of the Month Award for May: Joey Downey, Brooke Dolynchuk, Liam Pratt, & Aidan Poulin.
During the 2024/25 season the CSSHL introduced the Student-Athlete of the Month Award for the four different CSSHL divisions/age brackets: Eastern, West Female, West U18 Male (U18 Prep, U17 Prep, U17) and West U15 Male (U15 Prep and U15) .
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 May.
East Division – Joey Downey, Selwyn House School
“Joey Downey is an outstanding example of a student-athlete whose impact extends far beyond athletic performance. As an honours student and one of only two CSSHL student-athletes enrolled in Selwyn House School’s rigorous Grade 11 Science Program, Joey has demonstrated exceptional academic and community commitment while balancing the demands of being a three-sport varsity athlete in football, hockey and baseball.
This year, he was inducted into the prestigious Sportsman’s Guild, recognizing his leadership, sportsmanship, coachability, enthusiasm, and positive influence within Selwyn’s athletic community. As the veteran catcher for the varsity baseball team, Joey played a key leadership role in guiding Selwyn to its first-ever RSEQ Baseball Championship. His steady presence and strong defensive performance behind the plate in both the semifinal and championship games were instrumental in securing the title. Over his three seasons with the program, he helped strengthen the team’s culture, consistency, and competitiveness, leaving a lasting impact on its success.
Beyond the classroom and playing fields, Joey embraced experiential learning through two hands-on courses. In the fall, he took part in Woodshop, where he designed and built his own NHL-style hockey locker, demonstrating creativity and craftsmanship. Since January, he’s been part of the demanding ALONE Outdoor Education course, earning his Wilderness First Aid Certification and completing a five-day wilderness survival expedition in the Laurentians. Throughout the experience, Joey displayed resilience and a strong sense of community by supporting and encouraging his fellow students.
He further strengthened his academic profile by achieving his DELF B2 French certification and has consistently embraced leadership opportunities, including attending the Canadian Student Leadership Conference, serving as a student ambassador at post-secondary events, and volunteering with Selwyn’s Learn to Skate Program, which he will co-lead next year.
Through his dedication, character, and commitment to the Selwyn Veritas values, Joey Downey exemplifies the qualities of a CSSHL Student-Athlete of the Month.”
West Female Division – Brooke Dolynchuk, RHA Kelowna
“Brooke is a grade 12 student, graduating this month. She currently has a 94% average. She is well liked by teammates, coaches, and trainers. She is described as a hardworking, mature, and responsible student who approaches learning with determination. Brooke communicates clearly and works well with others and brings positive energy to all of her classes.
Her Chemistry teacher mentions Brooke’s deep understanding of concepts and principles and how she was even able to compare how her training at RINK uses Le Chatelier’s principle by demonstrating how factors like breath rate, temperature, and hydration impact blood chemistry.
Brooke has a very bright future, and we are so excited to see what successes she has after her time with RINK and at GESS.”
West Male U15 Division – Liam Pratt, Okanagan Hockey Academy
“Liam has demonstrated strong character, work ethic, and consistency throughout the month, standing out as a student-athlete who continues to engage fully even during a period when it can be easy to shift into “summer mode.”
In the classroom, Liam is a high-achieving and disciplined student who takes pride in his academic performance. He currently holds an impressive 93% in Math 10 while completing the course as a Grade 9 student, reflecting both his ability and his commitment to academic excellence. Liam consistently applies himself across all subject areas and shows a strong willingness to learn and improve. His academic habits demonstrate responsibility, focus, and a clear understanding of the importance of maintaining high standards in his education.
Beyond the classroom, Liam has continued to challenge himself through involvement in extracurricular activity, including participation on the high school Mountain Biking team. This commitment highlights his drive to stay active, push himself in new environments, and balance multiple demands while maintaining strong performance both academically and athletically.
Within the OHA program, Liam has also demonstrated maturity and character through his actions in everyday situations. On the way to a field workout, he took the initiative to stop and help an elementary school student fix their bike, showing genuine care, leadership, and respect for others in the community. This moment reflects his awareness of others and his willingness to step in and make a positive impact without hesitation.
On the ice and in training environments, Liam continues to show strong effort, focus, and a willingness to work. He approaches each session with purpose and a desire to improve, contributing to a positive training culture through his consistency and attitude.
Overall, Liam Pratt is a highly deserving candidate for this recognition. His academic achievement, commitment to personal development, and outstanding character both within the academy and in the wider community make him an excellent representative of Okanagan Hockey Academy and the values of the CSSHL.”
West Male U18 Division – Aidan Poulin, South Alberta Hockey Academy
“Aidan Poulin consistently demonstrates what it means to be a student athlete. He demonstrates a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and commitment to doing things the right way. He approaches his studies with responsibility and focus, setting a quiet but powerful example for those around him. As a teammate, Aidan is dependable and supportive, always putting the group’s success ahead of his own and lifting others up in the process. In the classroom, he shows genuine respect for his peers and teachers, contributing to a positive and productive environment every day. Aidan represents the kind of character, leadership, and consistency that makes a lasting impact, and this recognition is well deserved.”
