Hockey Finder Announces 2024 Award Recipients for the Sunny Yee Hockey Finder Scholarship

Hockey Finder is thrilled to announce Christopher Ayala, Aspen Helling, Jenna Reuben, and Elijah Zapzalka as the 2024 Sunny Yee Hockey Finder Scholarship recipients. The Erickson Merkel Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, manages all funds, with the Hockey Finder Assist Board participating in the selection process of this year's award winners.

About the Winners

Christopher Ayala

Chris Ayala is finishing up a Master of Science in Software Development at Boston University and aims to become a self-sufficient technologist with the skills to program, design, and build compelling software and start his own technology company. He's played in our Edina divisions since 2019 and has become a fixture in our local community. Chris' advice to younger students couldn't be more Minnesotan: "Set your north star - define your goals, both personal and professional. Then, just start! Take action while being pragmatic and resourceful in your approach. Maintain discipline, determination, and above all, maintain a curious and open mind."

Aspen Helling

Aspen Helling is double majoring in Environmental Sustainability, Health and Safety, AND Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York. Aspen plays Hockey Finder with their dad and brother when home during the summer. They are in an accelerated BS/MS program that will allow them to complete both degree programs within five years. Aspen's advice applies to all of us: "Don't be afraid to fall, whether it's in life, or on the ice. You always have the ice to catch you. And, of course, as my dad always says before every game, "Keep Skating, Keep Shooting."

Jenna Ruben

Jenna Ruben attends the University of Denver, pursuing a degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminology. She is also exploring Ph.D. programs in Clinical Psychology, with the goal of becoming either a clinical psychologist or a college professor. She chose this degree path because she is passionate about mental health and how she can help those who struggle with mental health challenges. Jenna returns to Minnesota every summer to play Hockey Finder with her brothers. She says her brothers have always inspired her, noting, "Their determination and drive to continuously better themselves motivates me to work hard and pursue my dreams, reminding me that anything is possible with dedication and focus."

Elijah Zapzalka

Elijah Zapzalka is studying Biology (with a possible double major in Physics) at Macalester College in Minnesota and has played in the Hockey Finder High School and College Leagues for the last three years. He says his dad, a doctor, inspired him to find a job you love. With a passion for the sciences, Elijah, says he "really fell in love with biology, physics, and engineering, this has led me to think about the possibility of a job in biomedical engineering."

The scholarship fund is open to college students of families in the Hockey Finder community, including players from our adult, college, and high school leagues. The Erickson Merkel Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, manages all funds, with the Hockey Finder Assist Board participating in the selection process. For more information, please visit www.hockeyfinder.com/hockey-finder-scholarship.

Hockey Finder is honored to be part of the greater hockey community and to help foster the next generation of players.