CALGARY, AB – The University of Calgary Dinos and the Western Hockey League are honouring the memory of longtime WHL President Ed Chynoweth with a scholarship in his name.
The Ed Chynoweth Memorial Hockey Award will be presented annually to a former WHL player who is pursuing his studies while continuing to play high-level hockey at the University of Calgary.
Ed was a firm believer in education for WHL players and was the driving force behind the WHL's Scholarship Program, which provides funds to former players to continue their educations at Canadian post-secondary institutions.
“It is very fitting the University of Calgary would create a scholarship in Ed's name given how instrumental he was as former WHL President establishing the League-wide scholarship program,” commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison. “The new Ed Chynoweth Memorial Award will only further enhance opportunities for WHL graduates to pursue a University Degree while playing hockey for the University of Calgary.”
Chynoweth was the first full-time president of the WHL, holding the post from 1972-1995 before leaving to form the expansion Edmonton Ice (now Kootenay Ice). He served as President and Governor of the ice until his death in 2005 after battling kidney cancer. He was 66.
To honour the late League President, the Western Hockey League renamed its championship trophy the Ed Chynoweth Cup in 2007.
“Ed Chynoweth always believed in the value of education, and its power when combined with sport,” said Ron Wuotila, director of athletics and recreation at the University of Calgary. “It is a perfect fit for us to join with the WHL to create this award in his memory so that deserving hockey players can have the chance to get a great education while continuing to fulfill their passion for the game. Our thanks to Ed’s wife Linda, and a special congratulations to Jack Neumann, who was really the driving force behind the creation of this award.”
Prior to Friday night’s Dinos home opener at Father David Bauer Arena, Linda Chynoweth will be presented with a Dinos jersey by Wuotila along with Richard Doerksen, vice president (hockey) of the Western Hockey League.
To donate to the Ed Chynoweth Memorial Hockey Award, please contact Jack Neumann at (403) 220-3424 or neumann@ucalgary.ca.