Charlie Da Fonseca announced as Saint Mary's recipient of AUS PepsiCo James Bayer Memorial Scholarship Award

(HALIFAX, N.S.) Atlantic University Sport is pleased to announce Saint Mary's Huskies men's hockey student-athlete Charlie Da Fonseca as Saint Mary's University's recipient of the AUS PepsiCo James Bayer Memorial Scholarship Award.

Beginning this year, Atlantic University Sport is recognizing one student-athlete from each member university as a recipient of the prestigious award, highlighting outstanding achievement in academics, athletics, leadership, sportsmanship and citizenship.

Each recipient receives a $500 scholarship in recognition of their accomplishments.

Established in 1985, the James Bayer Memorial Scholarship Award is one of Atlantic University Sport's premier student-athlete honours.

A fourth-year Master of Business Administration student from Thornhill, Ont., Da Fonseca has distinguished himself through his excellence in athletics, academics, leadership and community service.

The captain of the Saint Mary's Huskies men's hockey team, Da Fonseca appeared in 27 regular season games this year, recording nine goals and 24 assists for 33 points. His 24 assists ranked second in Atlantic University Sport, while his 33 points placed him sixth in conference scoring.

He helped lead the Huskies to an unforgettable season, culminating in a silver-medal finish at the 2026 U SPORTS University Cup national championship in Halifax. Entering the tournament as the eighth seed, the Huskies advanced to the national final and captured the program's best finish since winning the national title in 2010.

Da Fonseca has also excelled in the classroom throughout his university career. A four-time U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian, he earned Dean's List honours each year while completing his undergraduate degree, graduating with a 4.26 GPA and Summa Cum Laude distinction.

Now pursuing his MBA, he posted a 4.08 GPA in his first semester while also volunteering his time to tutor teammates in Commerce.

This season, Da Fonseca was named the recipient of the AUS Men's Hockey Student-Athlete Community Service Award. He was also recognized by Saint Mary's Athletics as the recipient of the 2025-26 Male President's Award for Academics and Athletics.

Beyond his athletic and academic achievements, Da Fonseca has made a significant impact in both the Saint Mary's and Halifax communities. He has played a key role in the Motionball Marathon of Sport in support of Special Olympics Canada, serving as both an organizer and team captain for four consecutive years.

This year, he led a group of MBA classmates in organizing the Walk for Alzheimer's at Saint Mary's, drawing more than 50 participants and raising more than $1,200 for research. He also spearheaded a month-long cold plunge initiative in support of mental health awareness, raising more than $1,000. Earlier in his career, he served as an ambassador for Hockey Gives Blood and has volunteered extensively with local minor hockey programs.

"Charlie has been the most outstanding captain I have had during my time as head coach at Saint Mary's University," said Huskies men's hockey head coach Tyler Naugler. "He leads our team by example every single day, both on and off the ice. Charlie consistently embodies the true identity and values of our program, setting the standard for what it means to be a student-athlete at the highest level."

"Charlie has established an exceptionally high standard through his leadership in athletics, academics and community service, and he represents everything this award is meant to recognize," added Naugler.

Charlie Da Fonseca becomes the fourth student-athlete to be announced as a 2026 AUS PepsiCo James Bayer Memorial Scholarship Award recipient. Previously announced recipients include Acadia's Leah Adams, Cape Breton's Ellie Lancaster and Dalhousie's Melina Collins. The remaining seven recipients will be announced over the coming days.

James Bayer taught education and physical education at both high school and university levels. He served as supervisor and consultant for the Nova Scotia Department of Culture, Recreation and Fitness.

At Acadia University, he served as dean of recreation and physical education and as director of athletics from 1978-1985. As an administrator in the AUAA and the CIAU, he was a key player in the establishment of intercollegiate athletic policy.

The PepsiCo James Bayer Memorial Scholarship Award is presented annually by PepsiCo Beverages Canada.