Canmore captain Scott returns home to join Griffins, bringing speedy offensive game, strong character

Vincent Scott led the AJHL's Canmore Eagles with 67 points in 59 games last season (Sei Spo Press photo).
Vincent Scott led the AJHL's Canmore Eagles with 67 points in 59 games last season (Sei Spo Press photo).

Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics

EDMONTON – With glowing references pouring in from coaches who've had Vincent Scott on their teams throughout the past few seasons, MacEwan Griffins men's hockey bench boss Zack Dailey knew right away he'd found the first key piece to his 2023 recruiting class.

The Canmore Eagles captain is set to bring leadership and character to augment a speedy, competitive game that's perfect for the fast-paced Canada West men's hockey ranks.

"He's just a very good skater – very fast," said Dailey of Scott, who will kick off his university career with the Griffins in 2023-24. "He makes plays, is competitive, and he's an awesome kid. 

"The reports from every single coach and even players who've played with him personally are just how great a person he is, and that fits our culture. We're trying to bring in good people who work hard and are committed to fitness and working in the community, so he checks all the boxes for us."

Scott spent the past two seasons with the Eagles in the Alberta Junior Hockey League, wearing a 'C' on his sweater in 2022-23, as he led them in scoring with 26 goals and 67 points in 59 regular season games. 

Prior to that, the right winger also played locally for the Sherwood Park Crusaders (2019-21) after growing up in the Canadian Athletic Club and KC elite hockey programs.

At Canmore, he had a built-in connection to the Griffins, playing under assistant coach Bryan Arneson, who spent five seasons at MacEwan in two different stints (2014-17, 2018-20) and was a part of two ACAC Championship teams.

"That's kind of how we got connected," said Dailey of Arneson. "He's an awesome kid. We see him fitting in on special teams – penalty kill and potentially power play. He had a bunch of points this year. But more so, it's the character piece. 

"We're really excited to have him. We're trying to get a bunch of leaders here – a bunch of guys who are willing to outwork teams, and he fits that role, for sure."

Scott was recently announced as the winner of the $1,500 Inter Pipeline AJHL Scholarship, which recognizes a player based on proven qualities in the areas of leadership, sportsmanship, dedication, and citizenship.

"His final season and future successes are directly correlated to his continued dedication to the sport, leadership qualities, and being a good person in the game of hockey," said Arneson in a release on the AJHL website.

Also weighing in for the AJHL story was St. Francis Xavier Hockey Academy director Warren Sanregret, noting Scott was awarded their Silver Stick award (top athlete and citizen) during his final year at the high school.

"His academic achievements, positive attitude, and school citizenship are exemplary and will undoubtably be a huge asset for MacEwan University," said Sanregret.