From Adversity to Achievement: Dominic Da Silva’s Unbreakable Spirit

When Dominic Da Silva stepped onto the ice for the first time as a young player in the OMHA, he never imagined that hockey would one day teach him lessons far beyond the rink. Fourteen years later, the sport that fuelled his competitive drive would also become the foundation of his resilience—and the reason he’s now the 2025 OHF Scholarship Top Recipient.

A Love for the Game Built on Dedication

Da Silva’s earliest hockey memories are rooted in his hometown of Belmont, where he began training with hockey development camps at an early age. “[Program's like that] taught me so much—from skating and stick work to work ethic and dedication,” he recalls. “It really shaped my love for the game.” Over his 14 years in the OMHA, those early lessons grew into lifelong values. “Respect, accountability, humility, discipline, and service are what stuck with me most,” Da Silva says. “My coaches made sure we took more from hockey than just how to win games. Leadership isn’t about authority—it’s about helping others be their best.” These lessons carried into every part of his life. Whether leading classmates in group projects or recovering from personal setbacks, Da Silva says hockey’s biggest gift has been resilience. “After a bad shift or a tough loss, you reset and keep grinding,” he explains. “That mindset translates into everything you do.”

The Day Everything Changed

On October 10th, 2024, that resilience was tested in ways Da Silva could never have expected. During a high-school football game, a routine tackle left him on the ground, unable to move. “I thought I’d just had the wind knocked out of me,” he remembers. “But then came a sharp pain down my spine. When the scans came back, they told me I’d fractured my T5 and T6 vertebrae.” The days that followed were filled with uncertainty. “I was in shock,” Da Silva says. “I just wanted to go back out and finish the game—and my hockey season. Realizing that wasn’t going to happen was tough.” Recovery tested him physically, mentally, and emotionally. Simple things like sitting up for class or riding in a car became challenges. “As a multi-sport athlete, being forced to rest was frustrating,” he admits. “But my friends and family were always there when I needed them.” Despite being sidelined, Da Silva stayed close to his team. “We’re one big family,” he says. “Watching my buddies play the game we all love brought me joy. Supporting them reminded me that hockey isn’t just about playing—it’s about belonging.”

A Deeper Appreciation for the Game

That understanding only deepened when Da Silva began volunteering with the London Knights’ promotions and group-experience teams. One of his favourite moments comes after each home game. “Seeing the kids’ faces light up when they meet their favourite players—that’s what it’s all about,” he says. “It reminded me that hockey isn’t just a sport, it brings families together.” Giving back, he says, is a way to honour what the game has given him. “I want younger players to have the same amazing experiences I did,” Da Silva explains. “Volunteering is my way of helping them build those memories.”

Looking Ahead: New Goals, Same Mindset

Now beginning his studies in Business Management and Organizational Studies at King’s University College, Da Silva sees his next chapter as another arena for growth. “I’m excited to learn how businesses run efficiently and to network with like-minded people,” he says. He’s also continuing his coaching journey through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). “I want to be a coach who helps kids have fun while developing their athletic and personal values,” he shares. “Hockey gave me so much—it’s my turn to give back.”

A Scholarship with Deeper Meaning

When Da Silva received the email announcing he had been chosen as the OHF’s Top Scholarship Recipient, he was on vacation. “I was super happy and proud of myself,” he recalls. But the recognition carried deeper meaning. “My last year of hockey didn’t end the way I expected. I couldn’t play, but I learned so much more than I ever imagined.” Through injury, recovery, and reflection, Da Silva’s story is one of perseverance, character, and gratitude. “When I look back,” he says, “I’m proud of the friendships I’ve made and the lessons hockey has taught me. It’s shaped who I am—and who I’ll continue to become.”

Celebrating Legacy Plans

At the OHF, we believe the greatest lessons in hockey are learned beyond the scoreboard. Dominic Da Silva’s journey is a powerful reminder that perseverance, leadership, and resilience are forged through adversity — and that the game continues to shape character long after the final whistle.

Through determination and a deep love for the sport, Dominic has shown what it truly means to rise above challenges and give back to the community that helped build him. His story embodies the spirit of the OHF Scholarship Program — celebrating not just talent on the ice, but integrity, courage, and purpose off it.

Do you know a player, volunteer, or coach whose story deserves to be shared? Connect with us at zdeforest@ohf.on.ca to help highlight the next inspiring voice in our hockey community.