Canadian newcomer finds community with WJHA

When Winner and his family first moved to Canada from Nigeria in 2013, he had never seen ice, let alone skated or knew about a sport called hockey. Joining the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy (WJHA) in Grade 4 as a Canadian newcomer changed every part of his life, from learning to skate and eventually playing competitive hockey to helping him become more socially confident, make friends, excel in other sports, and succeed academically. While Winner has always been a strong student, the community and self-assuredness fostered through the program also encouraged his leadership skills and showed him what was possible for his future. A 2025 graduate, Winner’s dream of becoming a doctor or surgeon will be supported by the $20,000 Maple Leaf scholarship he was awarded, allowing him to complete the University of Manitoba’s pre-med program without financial stress.

More than academic opportunities, the WJHA, has created foundational memories and connections. From spending time with his teammates on fieldtrips, playing hockey, or studying together, each WJHA team became like family. His WJHA coaches have been influential, teaching key life skills, values and care and compassion for others – characteristics he is already demonstrating as a role model to younger WJHA students. Winner is extremely grateful for how the WJHA has shaped his life over the past nine years and hopes to one day give back to the True North Youth Foundation to positively impact young students’ lives, just like the WJHA has positively impacted his.

“Everyone around you at the WJHA is your friend and family and wants the best for you. Being a part of the WJHA improved every aspect of my life. I could never say enough thank yous.”

– Winner, WJHA graduate