CSSHL Student-Athletes of the Month: May

The Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL) is excited to announce the four winners of the Student-Athlete of the Month Award for May:  

For the 2024/25 season the CSSHL is proud to introduce 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 – Nandor Polonyi, Ontario Hockey Academy

“Nándor is a top-achieving student who shows great maturity and hard work in all aspects of our program. When missing school for national team, he is organized and disciplined in keeping up with his studies. He is a regular fixture on our academic Honour Roll, and he is a great roll model for the younger students.”

West Female Division – Jorja Dion, Okanagan Hockey Academy

“Jorja consistently upholds an outstanding academic record while managing the demanding schedule of a competitive student-athlete.

She demonstrates an exceptional work ethic both in the classroom and in training—always prepared, focused, and committed to growth. Her dedication is evident in every aspect of her daily routine, and she consistently sets the tone for those around her.

Jorja leads by example, showing integrity, respect, and a positive attitude that make her a role model among her peers. She embodies the core values of teamwork, responsibility, and perseverance, and her impact is felt not only within her team but throughout the school community.

We believe Jorja is a truly deserving recipient of this recognition and commend her for the way she represents herself, her team, and the CSSHL.”

West Male U15 Division – Nate Skrabyk, RHA Winnipeg 

“Nate maintains a high 90s average in all classes, and is always willing to help a peer who may be struggling with a topic. He is a highly diligent worker in the classroom. Nate is incredibly respectful of his teachers, coaches, and all staff at RINK. He is a quiet but impactful leader. He doesn’t lead in intentional ways, he leads simply by doing the right thing and being a positive influence in our class. Students look up to him and appreciate his good humuor, kindness and willingness to help. Nate is the kind of student every teacher wants in their classroom.”

West Male U18 Division – Caleb DeBruyne, Pilot Mound Hockey Academy

“Caleb’s commitment to his team is unparalleled. He consistently demonstrates the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship, always putting the needs of the team above his own. His selfless approach and willingness to support his teammates make him an invaluable member of the team. Caleb’s positive attitude and resilience in challenging situations inspire those around him to strive for excellence.

As a mentor, Caleb is a guiding light for younger student-athletes. He actively takes on the role of a mentor, providing support, advice, and encouragement to help them navigate both their athletic and academic journeys. His ability to connect with and motivate younger players has made a significant impact on their development and confidence. Caleb’s mentorship goes beyond the rink, as he also helps them balance their responsibilities and achieve their goals.

Caleb leads by example in all aspects of his life. His strong work ethic, dedication to improvement, and integrity set a standard for his teammates to follow. Whether in practice, games, or off-ice activities, Caleb’s actions reflect his commitment to excellence and his desire to be a positive influence. His leadership fosters a culture of respect, hard work, and unity within the team.

In addition to his athletic and mentoring contributions, Caleb excels academically and actively participates in community service projects. His well-rounded character and dedication to making a positive impact both on and off the ice make him a role model for his peers.”