By David Kelly, September 3, 2026, Vol 7, Issue 26

The Tony Passero Memorial Scholarship has once again recognized an exceptional group of young leaders who have demonstrated that success is about far more than what happens on the ice.

For the second year, the quality of applicants and the incredible contributions they have made to their teams, schools and community made the decision especially difficult. Because of the outstanding group of candidates, the scholarship committee once again chose to double the scholarship and award it to four deserving graduates, rather than selecting only two recipients.

This year, Rylan Masterson and Sam Tonelli, graduating members of the Fort Erie Meteors, along with Madden Havill and Owen Kelly, graduates of Fort Erie Minor Hockey, have each been awarded $2,500 toward their post-secondary education.

A Difficult and Emotional Year

This year’s scholarship selection was particularly meaningful and difficult for the committee.

The award is funded by the Murchie family, longtime friends of Tony Passero. This year, the Passero and Murchie families experienced a tremendous loss with the passing of Tunney Murchie, a longtime friend of Tony and a strong supporter of the scholarship and the young people it was created to recognize.

Tunney’s connection to Tony made this year’s selection especially emotional. As the committee reviewed the accomplishments of the candidates, it was impossible not to think about the two friends and the values they shared.

Both Tony and Tunney would be incredibly proud of this group of young men.

They would see in Rylan, Sam, Madden and Owen the qualities that make this scholarship so important: hard work, dedication, leadership, humility, community involvement and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

In a year when the committee was already facing the difficult task of selecting from an exceptional group of candidates, Tunney’s passing added another layer of meaning to the process. Ultimately, the strength of this year’s applicants made the decision clear: there were simply too many deserving young leaders to choose only two.

Once again, the scholarship was doubled, allowing four recipients to receive $2,500 each toward their post-secondary studies.

Rylan Masterson

Rylan Masterson has demonstrated tremendous dedication throughout his hockey career with the Fort Erie Meteors. His commitment to his teammates, his work ethic and his leadership qualities have made him a valued member of the organization.

But Rylan’s accomplishments extend well beyond the rink. He has consistently shown that being a leader means being willing to give back, support others and contribute to his community. His ability to balance academics, athletics and community involvement is a testament to the character he has developed throughout his years in minor hockey.

Rylan leaves the Meteors not only as a talented hockey player but also as someone who has made a lasting impression on those around him.

He will continue his education at Niagara College, where he will study in the Police Foundations program. The scholarship will help Rylan as he begins this next chapter and works toward his future career.

Sam Tonelli

Sam Tonelli is another outstanding example of the type of young person the Tony Passero Memorial Scholarship was created to recognize.

Throughout his time with the Fort Erie Meteors, Sam demonstrated dedication to his team and a willingness to put in the work necessary to succeed. His teammates and coaches have seen firsthand his commitment, perseverance and team-first attitude.

Away from hockey, Sam has continued to demonstrate leadership and a strong sense of responsibility. His accomplishments both on and off the ice reflect a young man who understands that being part of a team means contributing, encouraging others and setting a positive example.

Sam will be attending Wilfrid Laurier University as he begins his post-secondary education. The scholarship will provide meaningful support as he takes this exciting next step toward his future.

Madden Havill

Madden Havill has been a dedicated member of the Fort Erie Minor Hockey Association and has demonstrated many of the qualities that Tony Passero himself valued throughout his life.

Madden’s hockey career has been marked by commitment, determination and a strong team mentality. He has understood that leadership isn’t always about being the loudest voice in the room; it is often about showing up, working hard and doing the right thing when nobody is watching.

His contributions away from the rink have been equally impressive. Madden has demonstrated a willingness to volunteer, help others and give back to the community that has supported him throughout his hockey career.

His combination of athletic achievement, leadership and community involvement made him a deserving recipient of this year’s scholarship.

Madden will continue his education at Lander University, where he will take the next step toward his academic and personal goals.

Owen Kelly

Owen Kelly has also been a longtime member of the Fort Erie Minor Hockey community and has consistently demonstrated what it means to be a leader both on and off the ice.

Owen’s dedication to hockey has been evident throughout his years with Fort Erie Minor Hockey. As a player, he has demonstrated tremendous endurance, commitment and determination while being someone his teammates could rely on.

His leadership, however, extends well beyond hockey. Owen has spent significant time giving back to his community through volunteer work. He has consistently shown that helping others is something he values.

His commitment to volunteering and leadership has earned him recognition from his school as well, including leadership and peer-related awards. These accomplishments, combined with his dedication to hockey and his community, made Owen an excellent choice for the Tony Passero Memorial Scholarship.

Owen will be attending Fanshawe College, where he will study Recreation and Leisure Studies. His passion for working with others and his extensive experience volunteering make this a fitting next step for someone who has already demonstrated such a strong commitment to his community.

Carrying on Tony and Tunney’s Legacy

The Tony Passero Memorial Scholarship was established to recognize young people who embody the qualities that Tony Passero believed were important: hard work, leadership, dedication, community spirit and giving back to others.

With the Murchie family continuing to fund the award, the scholarship also represents the lasting friendship between Tony and Tunney and their shared belief in supporting the next generation.

This year’s four recipients have each demonstrated those qualities in their own unique ways.

What makes this year’s scholarship especially meaningful is that the committee once again faced a group of candidates so strong that choosing only two winners simply didn’t feel right. Rather than asking four outstanding young people to compete for two spots, the decision was made to double the scholarship and recognize all four.

Each recipient will receive $2,500 toward their post-secondary studies, providing a meaningful contribution as they begin the next chapter of their lives.

Rylan, Sam, Madden and Owen should all be extremely proud of this accomplishment. Their years in hockey have helped shape them as athletes, but it is their character, leadership and commitment to others that truly set them apart.

The hockey community has been fortunate to watch these young people grow, and we look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the years ahead.

Congratulations to Rylan Masterson, Sam Tonelli, Madden Havill and Owen Kelly on being named the second group of recipients of the Tony Passero Memorial Scholarship.

Both Tony and Tunney would be proud. Their friendship may have begun many years ago, but through this scholarship and the young people it supports, their shared legacy continues.