"Our Hockey Is For Everyone program helps young people combine athletic accomplishment with academic excellence, while our collaboration with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund creates the opportunity to reach greater heights of educational achievement," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. "We are extremely proud of the student athletes whose perseverance - on and off the ice - has empowered their future."

NEW YORK/TORONTO - The National Hockey League (NHL) and Thurgood Marshall College Fund today announced the four recipients chosen for the NHL/Thurgood Marshall College Fund academic scholarship. Since 2012, the initiative has awarded scholarships to 15 exceptional high school students who are active in a Hockey Is For Everyone™ youth hockey organization, with goals of pursuing higher education in a variety of majors and interests.

"For the past five years our partnership with the NHL has changed the trajectory of these scholar athletes' lives once they graduate from high school. Together, TMCF and the NHL are opening new vistas for these talented students who can complete the hat trick of life - attending college, participating in sports and preparing for future careers," said TMCF President & CEO, Johnny C. Taylor, Jr.

This year's NHL/Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholarship recipients are:

Musa Ibrahim, Ice Hockey in Harlem. Ibrahim, a defenseman, credits his start in hockey to his mother who signed him up. A graduating senior at the Harvey School in Westchester, NY, he hopes to attend Temple University, majoring in film studies, with plans to become a documentary filmmaker. Since 1987, New York-based Ice Hockey in Harlem has been dedicated to improving the social and academic well-being of youth in the Harlem community through active participation in team sports.

Laura Lima, Hockey in New Jersey. Lima, a forward, started playing hockey after she watched her first New Jersey Devils game. She has been accepted to Rowan University, and plans to study criminal justice and psychology, working toward a future career in law enforcement. Since 2003, Hockey in New Jersey has inspired youth to develop life skills, succeed academically, and create positive relationships through hockey.

Jaylin Muse, Snider Hockey. Muse, who plays defense, was introduced to hockey when she was 13-years old. She plans to pursue a career in environmental engineering, with a focus on tackling water pollution. For a second consecutive year, Snider Hockey has produced a scholarship recipient. Since 2005, the organization has inspired thousands of youth throughout Philadelphia and Camden with a rigorous off-ice life skills curriculum and supplemental educational services to build character and confidence for young boys and girls.

Patrick Rosa, Capital City Crew. Rosa, whose favorite position is right wing, started playing hockey at a young age. He also credits his hockey career to his mother who signed him up when he was 10-years old. Rosa plans to study business management. Since 2010, Capital City Crew has provided an opportunity for youth ages 8-14 to play ice hockey, giving them the opportunity to reach their full potential on the ice and in the community.

The scholarship was developed under the direction of Commissioner Bettman who serves on its board of directors. Funding is raised at the annual Congressional Hockey Challenge, the charity hockey game pitting members of Congress and staff against registered lobbyists. Year-round, the NHL® supports Hockey is for Everyone™ non-profit minor hockey organizations across North America committed to offering underprivileged, disadvantaged and marginalized children an opportunity to play hockey, leveraging the sport to build character, foster positive values and develop important life skills.