After an incredible season on the ice, in the classroom and in the community, U18 AAA Yellowhead Chiefs goalie Clair Merckx has been awarded the R.A. "Sam" memorial scholarship.
"It was pretty exciting," Merckx says when thinking back to when she got the news. "I was just finishing up one of my classes at schools, I looked down and saw the email. I texted my mom and it was a pretty exciting feeling."
The scholarship comes with some money as well. "$750", the star netminder says with a smile.
Having this honour is a big thing for Merckx and her family. "It means a lot, we've put in a lot of work. With a lot of minor hockey stuff, I help out a lot there, so its' nice to have that feeling of recognition."
Balancing hockey and school life came with it's challenges, says Merckx. "It was pretty hard, but the coaching staff with Yellowhead is really good at helping us with homework and giving us time on away trips. It's a 2-hour car ride from my house to practice, so I get pretty used to doing homework on the way to and from practice, you get used to it."
The physical demands of being a goalie combined with the school work, Merckx says it was a battle mentally at times. "It's pretty hard to balance a lot of that stuff, but my goalie coach really helped me. We'd talk through it and I'd understand the game along with the mental challenges that come with it. Going through the ups and downs, as well as gearing up for the playoffs. I can't thank him enough, as well as the coaching staff, they're terrific."
It's not just on the ice or in the classroom where Merckx has made a massive difference, she's also building a legacy as a community leader by starting a goalie camp. "I always thought about having a camp, I thought it was cool when I'd go to camps, I'd see the people running it and I thought it would be fun. Myself and a couple of other goalies around Westman came together and decided to create one for younger goalies who are just starting out. There was a need in our area and it's been a lot of fun. We've done it for two years and we're heading into our third, it's pretty popular, so it's good."
Making such a positive impact in the community and being someone who can be looked up to is a massive point of pride for the Boissevain, Manitoba goalie. "It's a pretty special feeling," Merckx says proudly. "When little girls come up to me, they'll ask what it took to get to where I am, it's pretty special. They can see where the league is going and there's more female hockey around, it's all pretty cool to see."
Merckx is continuing her hockey and academic career at the next level, committing to Assiniboine Community College and will be suiting up for the Cougars. "I'm pretty excited, I've heard so many good things about the program, I've had friends that have gone through the program. The team is like a family and that's what I like to play with. Like the Chiefs, we were all a family, so it's nice knowing to go into something where the team gets along. The hockey side of things, it'll be pretty cool to move up to that next level."
From the highs and lows of life as a high-end student-athlete, Merckx says her family support is the reason she is where she is. "It's pretty crazy when you think about it, all that your family does for you. I can't thank my parents enough and my grandparents, they've driven me a few times when others are farming at home. It's pretty special to have that support at home, and they've put a lot of time and effort to helping me get my career to where it is."
The entire community will be cheering on Merckx and the Cougars this upcoming season.