Mia Giles, a defenceman for McGill’s women’s hockey team, was presented with the 2026 Guy Lafleur Leadership Award, accompanied by a $4,000 bursary.
The honour placed her among 31 other student‑athletes from Quebec’s CEGEP and university hockey programs, all recognized for their combined performance on the ice, academic standing and community contribution.
Giles, who is majoring in anatomy and cellular biology, appeared in every one of the Martlets’ 31 games during the 2025‑26 season, registering three goals and a single assist.
Shared honor with Connor Frenette
Her achievement was shared with Connor Frenette, a forward from Université du Québec à Trois‑Rivières, as the award highlighted leadership that extends beyond statistics.
The recognition forms part of the Montreal Canadiens Scholarship Program, which distributed $75,000 across its 19th annual awards ceremony, supporting athletes who excel academically and engage with their communities.
Administered by the Aléo Foundation in partnership with Hockey Québec, the Quebec Under‑18 AAA Hockey Development League (LHMAAAQ), and the Quebec Student Sports Network (RSEQ), the program also grants admission to the Aléo Foundation’s Leadership Program and pairs recipients with professional coaches for mentorship.
Past alumni of the scholarship include Olympic medallists such as Marie‑Philip Poulin and current Canadiens players Mike Matheson, Joseph Veleno and Zachary Bolduc, underscoring the pathway from university competition to professional prominence.