Michael B. Powell Memorial Scholarship

The Michael B. Powell Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior hockey player. The recipient is chosen by the coaches who pick the candidate that best demonstrates qualities that the award’s namesake demonstrated; qualities such as: supportiveness, selflessness, friendliness, loyalty, humility, and enthusiasm. The recipient does not need to be college bound. Nor does he need to the “best” player or even an honor student. The award does not need to be used for scholarship. The award is to be used as the winner feels best suits them, at that time; trade school, apprentice program, certification class, car payment, etc. whatever will help him/her at the time. The award is presented to the senior that the coaches feel best embodies the qualities that made its namesake the special person that he was.

Mike was all of those things listed above and more. He had such kindness for everyone. He genuinely saw the “good” in everyone. He was loyal. He was there for everyone: family, friends, teammates, even strangers. He was generous and giving; especially with his time and his friendship. He was funny and a natural comedian; he loved life and his enthusiasm was infectious. He could make anyone smile and laugh, usually when they needed it the most. All of which made him such a great son, brother, husband, uncle, friend, and teammate. Maybe the above attributes make him sound almost perfect. He wasn’t; but his humility tempered his attributes and his flaws made him even more likeable. He loved a good time and often pushed the envelope. Additionally, he was a talented athlete and he loved hockey. He started skating when he started walking. He started playing organized hockey at 4 or 5. All of the skills of the game came very easily to him. He made it all look effortless and he was fun to watch on the ice. 

Tragically, Mike was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 36 and unfortunately he died just a few short years later. During Mike’s wakes and funeral, there was a steady flow of people who knew him from early childhood through his adulthood. They all had a “Mike Story” and most were told with plenty of laughter and tear-filled eyes. It was so comforting to hear the many stories from people who had known him during different stages of his life, and yet they all had the same thing to say: that Mike was their friend. Mike was always the first to help, and always ready for a good time. Because that’s who Mike was: a friend, a teammate, a brother. 

Hockey was a huge part of Mike’s life. He played for several local hockey organizations; starting as one of the littlest mites, and he played throughout his school years and then onto Canisius College. He had great hockey “sense”; he liked to win yet made it all look easy, almost effortless. He was a team player. He did it all with a smile and usually kind words to those who needed them most. Mike loved being on the ice; you could see it even feel it.

Shortly after Mike died we decided that the best way to remember him was to create a legacy through a scholarship. We held golf outings. Mike’s many, many friends were happy to show up, celebrate Mike’s life and donate in his honor. Since East Aurora High School was his alma mater, we decided to reach out to Tony Difilippo who has helped us establish the scholarship that we present on Senior Night.

We are looking for a recipient who is a graduating senior; not necessarily a scholar or the best player on the team. For this award, we are looking for the player who is more like Mike was: the player who helps the team win, the player who holds up the other players on the team, the player who is friends with everyone, the player who puts the success of the team and team mates ahead of their own. We feel that by having the coaches pick the winner through watching the players develop through the years we would have a recipient that is more like Mike.

On and off the ice, Mike was simply a great guy. He was everyone’s friend. Still today, twenty plus years after his death, people will tell us how much they liked Mike and still miss him. When you knew Mike you had a best friend, usually for life. We are so honored to be able to continue to celebrate Mike’s legacy through the Michael Powell Memorial Scholarship. Seeing the genuine surprise and happiness on the recipient’s face when they skate up to receive their check, almost feels like seeing Mike out on the ice again.

2024: Pat Flaherty

2025: Finn Carney

2026: Aiden Frey