Nepean’s Ryan Horvath has been named the CCHL’s Gongshow Academic Player of the Month for November.
Horvath is a graduate of Quebec’s Stanstead College and is currently studying commerce in the Sprott School of Business at Carleton University.
The Stittsville, ON native currently has 19 points (7G/12A) in 29 games with Nepean this season and stressed the importance of academics despite his many athletic-commitments.
“I’ve always been a big believer in trying to live a balanced life when it comes to academics and athletics. I think that it’s really important to have an equal focus on both because I think they each provide me with different ways to develop as a person,” said Horvath.
“As well, I find it valuable to have school as a way to divert my attention away from hockey, and vise versa. In both school and hockey, there are times when things aren’t really going your way, so I think it’s important to have something else to focus your energy and attention on, so that you’re not dwelling on a negative,” said Horvath.
Raider head coach Darcy Findlay agrees with the importance of an academic-athletic balance. Findlay works as a teacher when he’s not at the rink.
“Ryan is a great student and it’s a testament to his work ethic off the ice. A lot of these kids want to move on to the next level and get scholarships and you have to work just as hard off the ice as you do on,” said Nepean head coach Darcy Findlay.
“It just shows what kind of player he is and what kind of person he is. Hard work pays off.”
-With files from the CCHL-
