The Ontario Hockey League has named Spirit rookie Kaden Sienko the 2025 recipient of the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award as the league’s top academic high schooler. Sienko becomes the first player in Spirit history to win the award.
Sienko, now 17, attended Grade 11 classes at Heritage High School in Saginaw, Mich. The native of Binghamton, NY maintained a 98% average across English, History, Health, Biology, and Co-Op courses.
“Kaden is a hardworking, proactive student who takes his academics seriously,” said Saginaw’s academic advisor, Pam Moretuzzo. “He consistently works ahead to stay on top of his coursework during road trips and demonstrates excellent communication skills with his teachers and peers. Kaden also sets a high standard for his teammates, leading by example.”
“I’m incredibly honored to accept the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award,” said Sienko. “It means a lot to be recognized not just for what I do on the ice, but for the work I’ve put in at school too. I wouldn’t be up here without the help of Mrs. Moretuzzo, the Saginaw Spirit staff and owners, my teachers, teammates and family—you’ve been there for everything, and I can’t thank you enough.”
The Ivan Tennant Memorial Award is given out each year to the top academic high school student in the OHL. The award is based on the player’s average in his best six courses regardless of level of difficulty of the courses. The award is named in honor of Ivan Tennant, who spent a lifetime combining hockey and education. He was the Kitchener Rangers’ Education Consultant for 20 years and a key figure on the OHL’s Academic Advisor’s Committee.