academic all-stars


TRISTAN LOWENBERGER NANAIMO CLIPPERS


When Tristan Lowenberger made the


jump from Major Midget to Junior A hock- ey, he faced his fair share of challenges. The competition is bigger and faster, of course, but the challenges don’t stop on the ice. Lowenberger has also needed to make time to keep up his grades. “In midget, we’re not practicing every


day and there are no mid-week games, but I’m making the adjustment,” he says. “You just have to set aside the time - an hour here, an hour there - and make sure to get your work done.” Lowenberger has been able to get the


work done, and get it done well — he is an A-student who regularly makes the honour roll. The 17-year old’s can-do at- titude quickly impressed Clippers head coach Bill Bestwick.


“Doing well academically is going to help me because it opens so many doors.”


- Tristan Lowenberger “Tristan is a very dedicated student


athlete,” says Bestwick. “He’s contributed more than we expected on the ice and he’s a great leader in the room.” At this pace, Lowenberger’s determi-


nation to improve and succeed may well result in an NCAA scholarship. “Work ethic carries over onto the ice


and into the classroom,” he says. “Going into the classroom, I know I have to work hard to get my marks.”


-H.K.


SMART HOCKEY


GARRETT JAMES photo


GARRETT JAMES photo


NICK BUCHANAN VICTORIA GRIZZLIES


At six-foot-five, Nick Buchanan cuts an


imposing figure. But while the towering defender may be intimidating to oppos- ing forwards, he’s more than just a big body – he’s also an exceptional student. Buchanan shows up consistently on


the Prinicipal’s Roll and the Honour Roll for his straight-A academics. He also scored a 5 (the highest mark possible) on the Advanced Placement exam for U.S. colleges and universities. The 18-year old also strives to apply


his scholastic abilities at the rink. “If you’re learning systems in hockey,


it’s a lot like school work,” says the Victo- ria native. “If you can learn easily, it defi- nitely helps on the ice. It’s the same with improving your skills and listening to your coaches. If you can develop your ability to learn, it helps you a lot all around.”


36 | 2010 EDUCATION ISSUE


“When you’re figuring out what you’re up against in a game, it’s a matter of problem solving”


- Nick Buchanan “You never know where hockey can


take you or what will happen,” continues Buchanan. “I just want to see how far it goes, keep working hard at it, and if I can get an education while I’m doing it, that’s great.” Grizzlies’ head coach Victor Gervais


recognizes Buchanan’s intelligence and determination on and off the ice. “Nick has a great work ethic,” says


Gervais. “He works out really hard and he brings so much to the team.”


-H.K.


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