The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) and the MindRight for Athletes Society have awarded Grand Forks Border Bruins defenceman Russell Kosec as this year’s recipient of the Remembering Grant Sheridan Scholarship.
Each year, the MindRight for Athletes Society awards the $1,500 scholarship, named in memory of the longtime Kelowna Chiefs owner and general manager, to one exceptional KIJHL student-athlete. Kosec will receive an additional $1,500 thanks to the generosity of the Sheridan Family.
“Russell Kosec truly demonstrates what it means to be a student-athlete, embodying the core values that the Grant Sheridan Scholarship represents — dedication, leadership, and character,” says Myles Mattila, founder of the MindRight for Athletes Society.
“Being named the Neil Murdoch Division’s Top Defenceman in February while pursuing his studies at Okanagan College is a remarkable achievement that highlights his commitment both on the ice and in the classroom. He joins an exceptional group of past scholarship recipients who consistently raise the standard and exemplify the values the KIJHL fosters beyond the rink. I commend Russell for all he has achieved so far and look forward to seeing all that he will go on to accomplish in the future.”
The scholarship will assist Kosec with his post-secondary studies.
“It means a lot. Truly honoured. I was lucky enough to get to know Grant growing up. He was a very special person and just honoured to be able to win something that encourages his name, his legacy and what he stood for,” said Kosec.
“I grew up with his son Tanner and I got to know Grant through him as well as hockey camps.”
Kosec was named the Neil Murdoch Division’s Rookie of the Year in 2022-23. During that season he was also named the Border Bruins’ Rookie of the Year, Top Defenceman and Most Sportsmanlike Player.
This season, Kosec was named the Border Bruins’ Top Defenceman and Most Sportsmanlike Player.
As a volunteer, Kosec read to students, participated in Perley School skates, Christmas caroling, the Cubs teaching program and was security for the city Halloween bonfire. In 2017, he helped with the North Glenmore school drop-off zone.
“We have a great community and great support here in Grand Forks,” said Kosec.
“It’s really easy to give back to these people. Just showing up, skating at the rink, going to schools, doing reading programs – little things around town. It’s a special community. It’s nice to give back to such great people.”
Kosec enjoys helping and looking out for people.
“That’s a part of who I am and it’s part of what this award means, putting others before yourself. That’s what volunteering is.”
He is the six recipient of the Remembering Grant Sheridan Scholarship, joining Ethan Lawczynski (Castlegar Rebels) in 2024, Ethan Sanders (100 Mile House Wranglers) in 2023, Nathan Hannon (Osoyoos Coyotes) in 2022, Josh Wiens (Castlegar Rebels) in 2021 and Angus Amadio (Beaver Valley Nitehawks) in 2020.
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