Three Missouri Hockey Players Win $5K College Scholarships

Three senior hockey players from the St. Louis area are heading to college with $5,000 scholarships celebrating everything they've accomplished both on and off the ice.

The Mid States Club Hockey Association announced its 2026 scholarship winners, honoring students who excel in academics, leadership, sportsmanship, and community service. Each of the three awards carries a $5,000 prize to help winners pursue their college dreams.

Parkway Central's AJ Ornberg received the Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Scholarship and will attend Kansas. Vianney's Caden Pullam earned the John Nichols Memorial Scholarship, while Daniel Clifford, who attends Pattonville and plays for Clayton, won the Herman Kreigshauser Memorial Scholarship.

The scholarships honor three men who shaped Missouri hockey history. Doug Wickenheiser played for the St. Louis Blues, bringing professional hockey pride to the region. John Nichols spent years coaching and serving on the Mid States board, developing young talent across the area. Herman Kreigshauser was among the first Mid States Board of Directors members, helping build the foundation for club hockey in Missouri.

Why This Inspires

These awards prove that success isn't just about what happens during game time. The scholarship committee looks for students who bring the same dedication they show on the ice to their classrooms and communities.

Winners must demonstrate financial need, ensuring the awards reach students who might otherwise struggle to afford college. By recognizing volunteer work and leadership alongside athletic ability, the scholarships celebrate young people who lift up everyone around them.

The message is clear: when you work hard, play fair, and give back, people notice. These three seniors are proof that doing the right thing opens doors, and their communities are investing in their futures because of the people they've already become.