St. Vital Jr. Victorias
St. Vital Jr. Victorias
Kip Kelly had a long relationship with hockey in the St. Vital area. From September 2000 until his sudden passing on January 12, 2004, Kip was the beloved Equipment Manager for the St. Vital Victorias Major Junior Hockey Club. He was appreciated for his good humor, hard work, and absolute devotion to the players and team. Kip was a friend to all and will be greatly missed.
This scholarship award, put forth by the Kelly family in honor of Kip, is presented annually to a Junior Victoria player, who, in addition to maintaining excellent scholastic standing, must also display the kindness, compassion, and devotion exemplified by Kip Kelly.
Rick Cancilla was a St. Vital resident who played his minor hockey in the Vics’ AA program. Rick played three years with the Major Junior Club from 1988-91. At only 5’9″, Rick was a quick forward with a natural scoring ability. He will always be remembered for his reputation as a team player and for being a winner.
Tragically, Rick passed away as a result of an automobile accident on September 2, 1995. Beginning in 2011, the Cancilla family has put forth a $1,000 yearly scholarship in Rick’s honor. The scholarship is to be presented to a Junior Victoria player who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement coupled with excellent leadership skills.
Myles Marchenko spent the majority of his hockey career in St. Vital. None of these times were more memorable to him than his final year with the Junior Victorias when they captured their first and only Championship title. People knew him as an intense competitor and a protector with the heart of a lion. During his time with the Junior Victorias, he forged bonds with teammates and fans alike that he held close to his heart until his passing in 2009.
This scholarship, donated by the Marchenko family, is presented annually to a Junior Victoria player who exudes the same determination and dedication that Myles did every time he stepped on the ice. Additionally, this individual is dedicated to the pursuit of continuing education and self-betterment.
Beginning in 2010, in appreciation of their time spent in the program and in recognition of the commitment required to play junior hockey, members of the St. Vital Major Junior Victorias’ alumni have put forth a scholarship.
The yearly scholarship is awarded to a Junior Victoria player who has achieved excellent academic standing as a full-time student, all the while being fully committed to the hockey program.
Jim is a long-time executive member and inductee into the Vics Hall of Fame. Jim sponsors a scholarship awarded each year to a Victoria player to further his education.
Charlie Van De Keere, a lifelong resident of St. Vital, learned to skate on the Seine River and went on to play for the St. Vital Bruins, St. Emile Flyers and was even a player for hire by rural teams that needed a fast skater and good shot. Following his playing days, Charlie was a Coach for the St. Vital Victorias and always an avid fan cheering on his son and grandchildren when they joined the Vics. He is remembered as a very gifted hockey player who played with passion and played to win, once scoring 7 goals in one game and having a few Gordie Howe hat tricks along the way.
This $500 scholarship, donated by the Van De Keere family in honour of Charlie, is presented annually to a deserving Junior Victoria player who plays with passion and determination on the ice while also maintaining a high academic standard in post-secondary education.
The Phil Mager Award recognizes a Junior Vics player who demonstrates a strong work ethic, a passion for hockey and helping others. Phil was born and raised in St. Vital and began volunteering in the hockey community as his three sons took up the sport. His involvement grew over the years; from coaching, to serving on the Executive Board at Glenlee Community Centre (1976-1988) where he was recognized as an Honourary Lifetime Member for his contributions. He later joined the Vics Major Junior Board where he volunteered for 22 years before retiring in 2016. Phil’s love of hockey, readiness to help others and his sense of community are the inspiration behind this award.
This annual scholarship was established in celebration of Phil’s 80th birthday in 2022 by his family.
