Connor Elliot, former Vernon Vipers captain, has earned a BC Hockey League (BCHL) and Vancouver Canucks Alumni Scholarship. The 22-year-old defenceman received $2,500 to support his college studies. This award helps players balance their academic and hockey careers.
Elliot is currently a general studies student at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York. He recently celebrated a national championship win in NCAA Division III hockey as a freshman with the Hobart Statesmen.
“It’s great that the BCHL and Canucks offer these scholarships,” Elliot said. “They really help players like me.”
The BCHL/Canucks Alumni Scholarship program began in 1987. It rewards former BCHL players based on academics, hockey skills, and community service. Each year, a committee selects recipients from league alumni continuing their education and hockey.
Alongside Elliot, five other players earned scholarships for the 2024-25 season. They include Jordan Fairlie (Prince George Spruce Kings, University of Toronto), Luca Grabas (Chilliwack Chiefs, Simon Fraser University), Logan Holm (Alberni Valley Bulldogs, York University), Keeton Oakley (Coquitlam Express, York University), and Noah Quinn (Cranbrook Bucks, Bemidji State University).
Elliot’s path to Hobart began during his last BCHL season. As captain of the Vernon Vipers in 2023-24, he was scouted by Hobart coaches. They reached out through assistant coach Lukas Lomicky, who had connections to Hobart.
“They saw my videos online, contacted Lukas, and then got in touch with me,” Elliot explained. “Their program seemed like a good fit, and I’m very happy I chose them.”
On July 18, Elliot earned another honor. He was named a Krampade All-American Scholar by the American Hockey Coaches Association. This award highlights varsity players with a GPA above 3.75 who play in at least 40% of their games. Hobart has a strong tradition of academic excellence, with 81 All-American Scholar awards earned since 2017.
Hobart had a near-perfect season, finishing 29-1-1 overall. The Statesmen won their third straight national title after a 2-1 overtime win against the Utica Pioneers. Duncan native Khalil Fontana scored the championship goal. Fontana had played with the Cowichan Valley Capitals before moving to Vancouver Island, where Elliot later joined.
Elliot, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound defenceman, played 18 games as a freshman. He scored two goals and totaled 10 points while earning his first national championship ring.
During recruitment, Elliot was told he could help the team win a third straight title. He stayed focused and worked hard.
“There are no guarantees in hockey,” he said. “You just try to be your best for the team. The three-peat was our goal from day one. We kept consistent and trusted ourselves. It wasn’t easy.”
Connor’s hockey journey began early, inspired by his father, Wes Elliot. Wes, a former Vernon Lakers defenceman, coached Connor through many years of minor hockey.
“My dad played hockey and coached me,” Connor said. “My mom is my biggest supporter too. They’ve been with me through every team I played for.”
Geneva, NY, is a small college town known for farming and fine wines. Elliot looks forward to his sophomore year, sharing a house with teammates and celebrating the team’s national championship with a banner and rings.
About the competition level, Elliot said, “It’s a tough league. Every game is a battle. The skill level is high, and the competition is strong.”
