May 1st, 2008

The Chilliwack Bruins are proud to announce that the team has been recognized by the WHL as the Scholastic Team of the Year.  This award recognizes the educational aspects of each club and the Bruins have been honoured with this award.

Darrell May, GM of the Bruins, ‘From the beginning of our franchise here in Chilliwack, our ownership group has made it clear that our team will be accountable both on and off the ice.  For the WHL to single out the Bruins for scholastic achievement is a tremendous honour for our franchise, but also for our players as well.  This award recognizes just how much work they put in when they are away from the rink.’

Dan Price, the Bruins Associate Coach, echoes May’s sentiments, but also talks about the work of Maryanne Mussell, the Bruins Educational Advisor: ‘Maryanne is tireless in her efforts to make sure our players have every opportunity to succeed.  Maryanne, like a lot of other educational personnel who work in this league, holds a full time job elsewhere, but spends much of her spare time with the players at study hall.  I have no recollection of Maryanne ever missing study hall and the players were organized to study at minimum twice a week.  This award is a tribute to the ability of Maryanne to focus the players on the task at hand.’

Maryanne Mussell, the Bruins Education Advisor, makes it her priority to get the Bruins players the necessary information to make informed decisions.  ‘Education empowers our players,’ comments Mussell. ‘Giving our players the proper education here while they are in Chilliwack and also providing them with choices and options on what they want to do with their lives after hockey is so important.’  Team President Darryl Porter cannot agree more.  ‘Maryanne is a key member of our staff because we want the players to understand just how important their education is to us, not only when they leave our program to go onto college, but when they are here.  Education provides our players the foundation for being strong members of any community.   Maryanne is a resource for these players to make the right decisions moving forward.’

Mussell: ‘I am thrilled that the Bruins have been recognized for this award and I look forward to challenging the players to continue this standard of excellence.’