As a goaltender for the University of Waterloo Warriors men's hockey team, Matt Onuska (BSc in progress) has felt the influence of top performers both on and off the ice.
Onuska joined the Warriors after a standout junior and OHL career that included one game as backup goalie for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Even with this experience, he wondered if he could excel in his sport and his studies in Health Sciences until his teammates showed him it was possible.
"We work as hard as we can at the rink, then we bring that team energy to school and other things," he says. "It makes it seamless: you're able to succeed in both."
Last season, Onuska's nation-best .941 save percentage and impressive 2.18 goals-against average earned him the title of U SPORTS goaltender of the year. With a 96.6 per cent average, he was named one of Waterloo's top two student-athletes in 2024-25 and received the Totzke Trophy.
The team's academic bench strength is equally impressive: together, they've achieved a cumulative average of 85 per cent a new record for Warriors men's hockey.
Motivational culture inspires landmark investment by former Warriors captain
That excellence is a hallmark of Waterloo student-athletes, and it's one of the reasons why Blair McArthur (BASc '85), a Civil Engineering alum, gives to the men's hockey program. Recently, the former Warriors captain committed $500,000 to program activities and athletic financial awards, the largest gift to Athletics and Recreation to date. To rally support from other champions, McArthur has designated $460,000 more than 90 per cent of his gift to match contributions of $500 or more to selected program funds and athletic financial awards.
"We're truly grateful for Blair's leadership within our alumni community and his landmark investment in the men's hockey program," says Roly Webster, Director of Athletics and Recreation. "Blair is a longtime champion of the Warriors. This gift demonstrates his steadfast commitment to the leaders of tomorrow while inspiring others to contribute to their future success."
"The matching component of the gift shows that Blair believes in what we're doing," says men's hockey coach Brian Bourque. "That's as important as the gift itself, because Blair is so well respected. Our hope is that others will see this commitment, get excited and get involved. This is a great opportunity for donors to double their impact."
The McArthur Family Press Box and the Leo & Blair McArthur Athletic Excellence Award are two examples of the family's support for Warriors men's hockey.
"The University of Waterloo is stronger because of alumni like Blair, who understand how much we can achieve together," says Nenone Donaldson, vice-president of advancement and external relations. "Over the years, Blair and his late father, Leo, have donated generously to the men's hockey program. Blair's matching gift will create even more opportunities for the Warriors to follow in their footsteps as business and community leaders."
"The teamwork and discipline the Warriors learn will stay with them for the rest of their lives," says McArthur, who is CEO of Miller Waste Systems. "The men's hockey program will prepare them for leadership in their sport and their careers. I encourage the University community especially men's hockey alumni to support the program. When we invest in these talented student-athletes, we all benefit."
