After a sensational season on the ice, in the classroom and in the community, Morden Thunder goalie Easton Hildebrand was awarded the Buck Matioski Memorial Scholarship by Hockey Manitoba.
"I actually saw it on my friends story," Hildebrand says with a laugh when thinking back to how he found out. "I wasn't sure what I won, but when I found out I won the scholarship, I didn't even know at the time."
The Scholarship came with some money as well. "That specific one comes with $750," Hildebrand says with a smile.
Reflecting over the year, Hildebrand says that scholarship is the cherry on top to a very memorable time in his hockey life. "It's all pretty sweet. We came off our second championship last year, that was kind of a bit of a miracle. We had hopes and as the season went on, we just got better and better. Nothing really stopped us, we just kept improving and we had a great season."
Dominating on the ice and also in the classroom, Hildebrand maintained a 94% average throughout his grade 12 year and he gives credit to a higher power. "I got to give a lot of credit to God, He definitely helped me through it. I would study when I could and just put some things aside that were less important. I focused on school and hockey, and it went really well for me."
Being a goaltender is physically grinding and Hildebrand says that with that side combined with the school work, it can be a test mentally. "It was a challenge. A lot of prayer got me through it, a lot of stretching, but I think a lot of my family played a key part helping me through it all, keeping me focused, just reminding me that if I had a bad game, things were all good and it happens. They kept me focused on what's important."
Always being a team-first guy, Hildebrand also said his teammates played a huge role in his life. "A lot of them, I've grown up with, played lots of season with. Other guys who just joined the team this year, being on a team with them has been amazing. Seeing some of the new people and as they grew, it helped me through my journey. We all just helped each other and it was a great environment."
Hildebrand also praises his coaches for being big influences and giving him the opportunities. "They've been super helpful throughout the year. They put out letters to universities and this year would not have been as successful without them."
On top of all that he did with hockey and school, Hildebrand also takes a lot of pride in his community work, something he loves to do. "I think it's very important, I've had a lot of volunteers that have greatly impacted my life and it made me realize that kids need that. I try and give back in that way, doing what those volunteers did for me."
Some of his favourite summer memories come from volunteering at Winkler Bible Camp and also serving as a church youth leader, Hildebrand says his faith has played a huge role in his success. "It's played so much of a role. Times have gotten hard and it's kept me grounded. Focusing on my relationship with God has always helped me through. Being connected with my family, team and friends over the season, it just makes me be the best I can."
As Hildebrand gets set to go to college, Hildebrand explains his mindset and how he's not putting too much pressure on himself knowing it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. "I'll have to pray on it a lot, that's been my go-to as things have gotten hard over the summer. I'm excited for it, I think it's going to be fun no matter how challenging it is. Meeting new groups and tons of new people, I'm looking forward to a great experience."
Hildebrand at his core is all about faith and family, and that support from his loved ones means the world. "It means so much. My mom and dad have sacrificed so much for my school and hockey, making sure my assignments are done and that I'm at practice on time. It's going to be different going into college as I'm going on my own, but I'm so excited and grateful for what they've given me."
As he prepares for college life, Hildebrand's parents can breathe a little easier as he won't be surviving on just Kraft Dinner or peanut butter and jelly. "I used to work at a kitchen," he says laughing. "So, I think I'll be okay. I do know that some things don't go together, so it might be a challenge."