Jaxon Joseph Memorial Scholarship

The Jaxon Joseph Memorial Scholarship was established in 2018 by the Podollan Pub to honor the memory of Jaxon Joseph, who had close ties to one of the pub's owners. The scholarship recognizes the contributions of a 2nd or 3rd year U18 Fort McMurray Minor Hockey player who exemplifies the qualities Jaxon was known for.

Although the Podollan Pub is no longer in business, the Fort McMurray Minor Hockey Association (FMMHA) is committed to keeping this important award alive in Jaxon’s memory through ongoing fundraising initiatives.

Who Was Jaxon Joseph?

Jaxon Christopher Joseph was born in Edmonton, Alberta, on September 15, 1997. He tragically passed away at the age of 20 on April 6, 2018, while traveling with his Humboldt Broncos family.

Jaxon spent his life doing what he loved—playing hockey. He was known for his big heart, charming smile, and warm, loving personality that left a lasting impact on everyone he met. He had a deep love for dogs, especially his own, "Sam," and cherished time with his family, summers at the lake, and hanging out with friends.

Jaxon’s father beautifully described him as the glue guy saying “never the star, never the grinder, but very flexible… every team he played on always called him the glue guy.” His flexibility and adaptability were his strengths, and every team he played on recognized the importance of his role.

Scholarship Criteria

The Jaxon Joseph Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to one or more 2nd or 3rd year Fort McMurray Minor Hockey players who embody Jaxon’s spirit—a love for hockey, family, and friends. This award is meant for the player who may not always be the star on the ice but is respected and valued by teammates as the “glue guy.”

Application Deadline

May 15, 2025

Value

One annual award of $500.00 to a Grade 11 player.
One annual award of $1,000.00 to a Grade 12 graduating player.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Be nominated by a community member.
Be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident.
Be a permanent resident of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.
Have played with the Fort McMurray Minor Hockey Association for at least two years, including the season you are applying.
Demonstrate good attendance and best effort in school activities.
Planning to Attend Secondary Education (Including Trades).

Selection Procedure

Nominations must be put forward by a community member (Parent, Teacher, Coach, or Manager) who can fully describe the prospective recipient of this scholarship and provide two reference letters from others in support of the nomination.

A selection committee will review all nominations and select the recipient(s). The committee will look for the reference letters to describe how the player demonstrates the traits of Jaxon in their own unique way, including an understanding of any adversity the player has faced while remaining a good teammate.

JAXON JOSEPH MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP NOMINATION FORM:

The personal information provided on this form is collected under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act of Alberta. It will be used by FMMHA to determine award recipients and will be protected in accordance with the Act. For questions regarding the use of this information, please contact the VP Administration of FMMHA.

To apply, you will need:

A quote to support your nomination, which may be used on the website or in the award letter.
Two reference letters from community members (other than yourself) supporting the nomination and describing what makes the candidate worthy of this award.
Information about the nominee, such as how many years they have lived in Fort McMurray and how many years they have played hockey.
Information on the player’s plans for the next season.
A written nomination paragraph that includes a quote on why you believe this person is deserving. For example:

"I am pleased to nominate [Nominee's Name] for this award because of their exemplary character and dedication to both their teammates and the community. [Nominee's Name] consistently displays leadership, respect, and perseverance, inspiring those around them to do their best. As [Coach/Teacher/Other] shared, 'Their unwavering commitment to the team and positive influence on others makes them a role model both on and off the ice.'"

CONSENT

I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE INSTRUCTIONS AND DECLARE THAT:
1. All information provided is true and complete and I understand it is subject to audit;
2.The player I have nominated is aware of the nomination and is in agreement to being nominated.

I UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT:
1. The nominee’s personal information pertaining to their high school, hockey and other pertinent performance and character will be discussed and shared.
2. The Fort McMurray Minor Hockey Association will release the name and award value of the nominee if they receive a scholarship.

COMMUNITY MEMBER NOMINATOR DETAILS

Full name:

Email to contact:

Phone number to contact:

What is your relationship to nominee?

DETAILS OF NOMINATED ATHLETE

Full name:

Current email we can use to contact nominee:

Current Address (Street, City, Province, Postal Code)

Phone Number to contact:

How many years has the nominee been a resident of RMWB?

How many years was the nominee a player of FMMHA?

Citizenship

Place of birth: (City and Country)

If Nominee is a landed immigrant, please attach copy of immigration form:

NOMINEE EDUCATION GOALS

Proposed post secondary program/studies:

Name of post secondary institution:

Location of post secondary institution:

Entry date for Program:

WHY ARE YOU NOMINATING THIS PLAYER?
Considering the qualities embodied by Jaxon Joseph, please explain why this individual is a deserving nominee for this scholarship. Be sure to include any adversities or challenges they may have overcome while maintaining their role as an excellent teammate.

Attach 2 letters of recommendation from other individuals who know this nominee and support your nomination.
Reference One

Reference Two