Manitoba Junior Hockey League has announced that Steinbach Pistons’ Tyson McConnell is this year’s recipient of the Insurance Brokers Association of Manitoba (IBAM) / MJHL scholarship.
McConnell, 21, was presented a $2,000 cheque at this year’s IBAM President’s dinner staged at Winnipeg’s RBC Convention Centre. He plans to attend university this fall, in addition to continuing his hockey career.
“This scholarship will assist me in my post-secondary education finances,” said the Pistons’ captain. “I’m honoured to have been selected. Thanks also to the Steinbach Pistons’ organization for all its help and guidance. Thanks also to my teammates who made my junior hockey experience a highly positive experience.”
McConnell, who hails from Pilot Mound, is the Pistons’ franchise leader for most consecutive games played in a row at 232. The four-year veteran also led the team in blocked shots. A true leader both on and off the ice, McConnell became the heart and soul of the team’s penalty killing unit, leading the team to a league-high, 87 per cent penalty killing rate.
McConnell, 6-foot-2, 170 pounds, finished second in Pistons’ regular-season scoring with 47 points (20-27) in 60 games. He added another eight points (5-3) in the playoffs.
“Tyson was very committed to the community and volunteered in a number of charitable events and activities,” MJHL Commissioner Kim Davis said. “Players in our league are strongly encouraged to give back to their respective communities. Tyson exemplifies what it means to be a Junior A hockey player.”
