Neepawa Natives’ Ashton Anderson is this year’s recipient of the Insurance Brokers Association of Manitoba (IBAM)/MJHL scholarship.
Anderson, 21, was presented a $2,000 cheque at this year’s IBAM President’s dinner staged at Winnipeg’s RBC Convention Centre. He plans to attend university this fall and eventually become an optometrist.
“This scholarship will assist me in my post-secondary education finances,” said Anderson. “I’m honoured to have been selected. Thanks also to the Neepawa Natives’ organization for all its help and guidance.”
Anderson, who hails from Rivers, was an alternate captain with the Natives this past season. In four seasons with Neepawa, Anderson scored 55 goals and recorded a total of 136 points. In 2016 and 2018 he was named Neepawa’s Best Manitoba Born Player and was named to the roster for this past winter’s MJHL/SJHL College Showcase.
Anderson has excelled both on and off the ice and has received a number of accolades throughout his Junior ‘A’ hockey career. He graduated with honours from Rivers Collegiate and played for the Yellowhead Chiefs of the MMJHL before joining the Natives in 2014-2015. Of note, he was the first player drafted in the 2012-2013 MJHL Draft.
In addition to helping the Natives on the ice, Anderson was very involved within the community of Neepawa. He volunteered with the Neepawa Minor Hockey Association; Neepawa’s Breakfast Club program, helping children with skating and hockey skills; Neepawa Country Meadows Care Home, playing cards, bingo, and other games with residents; the local food bank, collecting food items, putting together packages and delivering them to people in need with the Neepawa Salvation Army.
In recognition of his volunteerism, he was also a recipient of the Recycle Everywhere-MJHL Player of the Week honours.
“Ashton was very committed to the community and volunteered in a number of charitable events and activities,” MJHL Commissioner Kim Davis said. “Players in our league are strongly encouraged to give back to their respective communities. Ashton exemplifies what it means to be a Junior A hockey player.”