For the past few decades, Brian Mauch, has been lacing up his skates and taking to the ice at UBC's Father David Bauer Arena. The former UBC Bachelor of Commerce student and alumnus started participating in intramural hockey back during his university days. Now, years later, he is one of the organizers behind the Thursday Night Hockey (TNH) intramural club. The club is a group of old friends and new (many of them fellow UBC alumni), mostly between the age of 40 and 60, who come together to play recreational hockey every week from September through April. 
 
This group was looking for a way to give back to the same community they share the ice with, and they came up with the idea of starting a scholarship for UBC student-athletes. This award would go to either a member of the UBC Men's or Women's Ice Hockey team who is not only deserving, but also has a financial need. The Thursday Night Hockey Community Award in Ice Hockey totals $2,000 and will be given annually. The awards are made on the recommendation of the Men's and Women's Ice Hockey Head Coaches and the Athletics Awards Committee, with the first award available for the 2023/24 winter session. 
 
With assistance, the award can help teams like the UBC Women's hockey team, who took home the Canada West Championship and earned the bronze medal at Nationals this past season. Thanks to TNH, student-athletes are being recognized for their hard work and dedication, and getting help to achieve their goals, not only on the ice, but also in the classroom. 
 
For Brian, he remembers his days as a student, and knows how challenging a time it can be. "We were all students at one time or another and we know that money is tight, and education has only gotten more expensive. These student-athletes are not only going to school and studying, but they are also practising and competing every day. So now that we are in a position where we can give back, it is so great to be able to do that."