Honouring a passion for sport and education

The Will Sutherland Award was established in memory of Wilbert E. Sutherland by his family to honour his passion for helping young people, especially those involved in sport.

Will developed his love of hockey at an early age at the New Glasgow Stadium. His teen years were spent in Sydney, playing varsity hockey for Sydney Academy, graduating as valedictorian of his class.

Attending Dalhousie University, he played varsity hockey for the Dalhousie Tigers, graduating with a B.Com. in 1966. Will articled with Peat, Marwick, Mitchell, obtaining his Chartered Accountancy (CA) designation in 1969, while enjoying playing in the CA hockey league in Halifax. After moving to Truro, his hockey playing years continued with the Truro Bearcats Oldtimers team where he passed on his knowledge of hockey by coaching and mentoring minor hockey players of all ages in the Truro area.

Will always took the time to help youth develop life-long skills. He founded and developed the Truro Junior A Bearcats Hockey Club educational fund and worked as a financial advisor for the 2010 Canada Winter Games. Will believed in his family, his career and helping young people, especially through sport. These passions were clearly evident to anyone who knew Wilbert E. Sutherland.

Eligibility Criteria

• Hockey player with the Truro Junior A Bearcats in his final year of eligibility in junior hockey
• Must be accepted into a full-time course of study at a CIS University
• Must have demonstrated proficient hockey skills and education abilities
• Must be recommended by the coaches in conjunction with a committee

Selection Criteria

Candidates will be adjudicated on the extent to which they have demonstrated a desire to obtain a good education in addition to their dedication to the game of hockey. Financial need will be a consideration, but not a requirement.

Award Frequency

Typically there will be one annual Award of $1,000. However, the Donor reserves the right to give this Award on a more or less frequent basis as income levels and the Foundation permit.