TORONTO, ON — The Greater Toronto Hockey League is proud to congratulate Rehan Surani of the Under-18 Toronto Jr. Canadiens, one of two recipients of the GTHL-Dairy Farmers of Ontario Bursary.
New for the 2025-26 season, the GTHL is proud to partner with Dairy Farmers of Ontario through a bursary program recognizing U18 players for their outstanding commitment to academics, community service, and athletics. The program awards two U18 GTHL players with $5,000 each in support of their post-secondary education.
The Dairy Farmers of Ontario Bursary reflects the achievements of young hockey players who are committed to their communities, academic success, athletic growth, and the game of hockey.
Surani, a ‘AAA’ player with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens, has maintained a 94.6 per cent academic average while balancing the demands of competing at the highest level of minor hockey. Throughout high school, he has achieved High Honour Roll standing while managing the responsibilities of travel, training, schoolwork, and leadership commitments.
Surani plans to attend Toronto Metropolitan University to pursue a degree in Biomedical Science. His post-secondary goals reflect his strong interest in health sciences and his commitment to continuing his academic journey at the next level.
Beyond the classroom and the rink, Surani has demonstrated leadership through school and community involvement. As a student council member, he helped organize events that strengthened school culture. As Executive Director of his school’s Muslim Student Association, he worked to create inclusive spaces that support student identity and connection.
His leadership also extends into the broader community. Through Hockey Equality, volunteering at his mosque, and mentoring youth in the Aga Khan Ismaili ball hockey program, Surani has seen the importance of building supportive environments where young athletes can develop confidence and opportunity.
That commitment also inspired him to found Razer Hockey, a youth skills development program supported by the Richmond Hill Summer Company Grant. Through the program, Surani focuses on developing both character and athletic skill among young players.
Surani’s perspective on service expanded further through Global Encounters, an international youth leadership and service program in Kenya within the Ismaili Muslim community. Working with local organizations and collaborating with participants from more than 18 countries strengthened his appreciation for cultural exchange and reinforced his belief that meaningful leadership begins with listening and empowering others.
Surani was recognized during the 2026 GTHL Awards Gala presented by Nothers The Award Store on June 4 at the Hockey Hall of Fame. Dairy Farmers of Ontario representatives Laura Bodini and Julia Kuziw presented the bursary on stage. As part of this year’s GTHL Awards Gala, Esso also provided each recipient with a $250 gas card to help further fuel their journeys.
“Honestly this means so much to me,” Surani shared in his acceptance speech. “I want to say a huge thank-you to the GTHL and Dairy Farmers of Ontario for this bursary towards my education. I’ll be using it to pursue a degree in Biomedical Science at Toronto Metropolitan University and for that I’m really and truly grateful.”
Surani also thanked those who have supported him throughout his hockey and academic journey.
“I’d like to thank my coaches who pushed me to be better every single time I stepped on the ice, and my teachers who held me to the same standard in the classroom,” Surani said. “Most importantly, my parents and I guess my siblings too. I’m just kidding. You guys pushed me to be the best version of myself every day and I wouldn’t be here without you.”
For Surani, the bursary reflects the complete picture of his growth through hockey, school, and community.
“Hockey has given me so much and I’m just really thankful that this award recognizes the full picture — on and off the ice,” Surani said.
The GTHL congratulates Rehan Surani on a well-deserved honour.
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