Defenseman Kevin Ross of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs is an outstanding example of the type of well rounded, exceptional young man that the Bulldogs are proud have as part of their organization. Ross came to the Bulldogs in September of 2007 from Cranbrook BC and completed a strong rookie season with the team while at the same time achieving top academic marks at both Alberni District Secondary and Mount Baker Secondary back home in Cranbrook. On and off the ice Ross is well respected by coaches, teammates, teachers and classmates for his leadership, determination and character. This combination of academics, athletics and character has not gone unnoticed by universities and coaches on both sides of the border.
In his rookie season with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, Ross was named the team?s Top Defenseman. Academically, Ross achieved even greater success. In his Grade 12 year at Alberni District Secondary School, he was the first Bulldog player to successfully tackle three academic courses in one semester: English 12, Physics 12 and Principals of Mathematics 12. His average for these courses was over 95% making him the school's top grade 12 academic student that semester. After the hockey season, he returned home to Cranbrook, British Columbia where he graduated from Mount Baker Secondary School with an overall grade 12 average of 96%.
In recognition of these marks and his leadership in the school and community, Ross was awarded the school's most prestigious award, The City of Cranbrook Memorial Scholarship ($3,500) which is given annually to the school's top all around student. He was also awarded the Tembec Engineering Scholarship ($4,000) and the Cranbrook Ministerial Association Scholarship ($1,000).
In another example of his tremendous character Ross was voted valedictorian by his graduating class and delivered an inspirational speech that drew a standing ovation from the audience. He has been accepted into the faculty of Applied Science at the University of British Columbia where he was awarded the Harold Anderson White entrance scholarship ($30,000) and a President's Entrance scholarship ($4,000). UBC has granted a deferral of his admission and awards. This will allow Ross to play a second season with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs in 2008-2009. While UBC is one option for Ross he is also very interested in attending an Ivy League university in the US and several are interested. This would give him the opportunity to pursue his dream of playing NCAA hockey while studying engineering.
Bulldogs Educational Advisor Tom McEvay commented, ?Kevin is an exceptional young man and it has been a pleasure to work with him this past year. He is an outstanding role model for other young people and our players to emulate. There is no doubt Kevin will go on to play hockey at the university level and he already has several teams very interested. It would not surprise me to see him commit to a prestigious US school in the near future. I know coach Bryant Perrier and I are looking forward to this next year with Kevin back here in Alberni.?
Where ever Kevin Ross plays and goes to school it is clear this young man is going to make a difference in this world and the Alberni Valley Bulldogs are proud to be a part of his development. Ross is already signed up to take courses at North Island College in Port Alberni this fall when he returns to be a part of what is shaping up to be a strong Bulldogs team for 2008-2009.
