Ethan Hay Recognized as Co-Recipient of Ivan Tennant Memorial Award as OHL’s Top Academic High School Student

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League is pleased to announce that Erie Otters defenseman George Alboim and Flint Firebirds forward Ethan Hay are 2022-23 co-recipients of the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award presented annually to the OHL’s Top Academic High School Student. Both players achieved 95% averages in Grade 12 studies this past season.

The 18-year-old Hay finished with high standing in Grade 12 Literacy, Marketing, Food and Nutrition, Leadership, Physical Education, and a Business Co-op through Grand Blanc High School and Blyth Academy.

“It’s a great feeling to be recognized with this award,” said Hay. “I worked hard throughout the year both on and off the ice and I’m glad to see it has paid off. Both school and hockey support each other. Hockey has taught me to work hard in everything I do, and I take pride in that in school as well. Learning in school and developing your mind also helps you on the ice. It’s important that they co-exist together. Our Academic Advisor Elizabeth Hoffman came in a bit last year and made a huge impact on us that translated into this year as well. She really helped us and did a great job making sure we were on the right path and on top of everything, and for that, I am very grateful.”

Hay put up 17 goals, 11 assists, and 28 points over 64 games in his second season with the Firebirds, winning 55 percent of his faceoffs and excelling on Flint’s penalty-killing corps. He added six points (1-5–6) in seven playoff matchups, going 59 percent in the faceoff circle. A former third-round (46th overall) pick by the Firebirds in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Hay was listed as the 83rd-ranked North American skater on NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings for the 2023 NHL Draft. He also fared well in the 2022-23 OHL Coaches Poll, being voted the second-best faceoff performer and second-best defensive forward in the Western Conference.

“We are very proud of Ethan for his commitment to school and hockey,” said Firebirds Head Coach and General Manager Ted Dent. “He is way beyond his years in maturity, in regards to preparation, focus, and commitment to both academics and hockey. He knows how to prioritize what’s important and he’s a great example for the OHL and our organization.”

Hay is the second Flint Firebirds player to win the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award, following goaltender Kyle Keyser who was the recipient in 2015-16.

“I am thrilled for Ethan,” said Firebirds Academic Advisor Elizabeth Hoffman. “He is a great student and he works very hard. He is so deserving of this award. Not only does he work hard in school but he’s a hard worker on the ice. It’s been a pleasure watching him do great things in both environments!”

The Ivan Tennant Memorial Award is given to the League’s Top Academic High School Player and is named in honor of Ivan Tennant, who spent a lifetime combining hockey and education. He was the Kitchener Rangers’ Education Consultant for 20 years and a key figure on the OHL’s Education Consultant’s Committee.