TORONTO, ON — The Greater Toronto Hockey League is proud to congratulate Ryan So of the Under-18 A Victoria Village Mustangs, 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.
So has demonstrated excellence in the classroom while balancing the demands of hockey and community involvement. Academically, he has maintained a 98.6 per cent average in his top six Grade 12 courses while participating in the Enriched IT Advanced Placement STEM Program and completing a Specialist High Skills Major in ICT.
His academic achievements also include top placements in University of Waterloo mathematics contests and a perfect score on the Beaver Computing Challenge, reflecting his strong analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills.
So plans to pursue post-secondary studies in fields including computer engineering, software engineering, commerce, mechatronics and robotics engineering, or related STEM and business programs. His list of prospective programs includes the University of Toronto’s Computer Engineering program, the University of Waterloo’s Software Engineering program, Queen’s University Engineering programs, McMaster Engineering I, and business programs at Rotman Commerce, Smith Commerce, Schulich, Laurier, and the Waterloo/Laurier BBA and Computer Science Double Degree.
Beyond the classroom, So has shown a strong commitment to community service and mentorship. He volunteered at his school’s STEM Day event, where he helped teach programming fundamentals and physics concepts to more than 300 elementary students. He has also supported younger children at a summer day camp through coaching and hands-on activities.
On the ice, So has been a dedicated hockey player for more than a decade, competing in the GTHL from U8 to U18 at levels ranging from A to AAA. He has also played on his high school varsity team throughout high school. His leadership, discipline, and perseverance through hockey reflect the same commitment to teamwork and personal growth that he has demonstrated in academics and community service.
So was recognized during the 2026 GTHL Awards Gala presented by Nothers The Award Store on June 4 at the Hockey Hall of Fame. While So was unable to attend the event, Dairy Farmers of Ontario representatives Laura Bodini and Julia Kuziw accepted the award on his behalf.
The GTHL congratulates Ryan So on a well-deserved honour.
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