WJHA graduate plans to use Birdies 4 Blades scholarship to pursue his dream of working in sports

Isaiah had always wanted to work in the sports industry, and his time in the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy (WJHA) allowed him opportunities to chase this dream, make connections in the industry, and grow his skills. His dedication to academics and to taking advantage of every opportunity presented during his time in the program earned him this year’s WJHA Birdies 4 Blades scholarship.

“The most important lesson I’ve learned is you have to work hard for whatever you want to accomplish,” said Isaiah. “This has been a big factor toward my work at school and my work in the media.”

The WJHA uses hockey to engage youth in their school and community. In senior years, the program also provides post-secondary and career exploration opportunities and volunteer experience to prepare students for life after high school.

As well as giving back through volunteering at Camp Manitou, Winnipeg Harvest and Siloam Mission, and helping classmates with their homework during spares and lunch breaks, Isaiah also took in a lot of learning.

As part of his career exploration, he was able to spend time with members of True North Sports + Entertainment’s community relations and media teams. This was a highlight, as his dream job is to do social media or marketing for an NHL or WHL team.

“My improvement in skill level is super noticeable from when I started compared to now,” said Isaiah noting the experience he gained from doing social media and marketing for the Transcona Railer Express hockey team.

Isaiah may not have been able to pursue post-secondary studies without the help of the Birdies 4 Blades renewable scholarship but now looks forward to studying social media and marketing through The University of Winnipeg PACE program worry-free.

Recognizing the gift that has been given to him through the program, Isaiah looks forward to giving back to the WJHA while attending school by volunteering or working with the after-school and on-ice programs.

“He is a student who I am confident will do great things one day,” said Vanessa Wur, WJHA coach. Wur noticed that grades were always a priority for Isaiah, as he would often choose to miss hockey or after-school field trips to study or attend classes.

“He did not want to miss any school, as he was striving to have high 90s in all his classes and make the honour roll,” said Wur.

“Minor hockey has impacted me a lot. It helped me make a lot of friends and meet a lot of people when I normally would not feel comfortable doing so,” said Isaiah, noting how much his confidence grew during his time in the program. “My friends are what made me enjoy getting up early for those morning skates because of the fun we have when we are all together.”

Now that Isaiah has graduated from the WJHA, he is grateful for the opportunities the program gave him to learn and help others.

“Use every opportunity offered in the program to your advantage,” said Isaiah when asked what advice he would give to his younger self or younger WJHA students. “Every volunteering opportunity, or every opportunity to expand your knowledge on anything. Those experiences can go a long way if you let them.”