Bisons senior defenceman
Evan Toth will be the first to tell you that he isn't a "flashy" guy on the ice. He plays his role, is fundamentally sound, reliable and cares for his teammates. Those core values are echoed in his everyday life.
With a passion for helping people, Toth – an Academic All-Canadian – plans to attend medical school this fall after graduating with his science degree from the University of Manitoba.
It's the major reason why he didn't play his 20-year-old season in the WHL, opting to go to school a year earlier than most. Sports have always been an important part of his life, and he loves the game, but his academic pursuits have been just as important.
"I love hockey and I love doing it, but I've always wanted to help people. I've always felt like I could do more with that and that I have a gift with my mind and could apply myself. If I do that to help people I might do a little bit more than just play hockey for the rest of my life," said Toth, whose parents are both health care providers.
"Even when I was in the WHL, I would pick a topic that's on the MCAT and just learn about it, so that I could help myself when I eventually wanted to go that route. That's always been the plan. That was first and foremost, and after that, I did well on the ice."
That's not to say Toth hasn't value the sport of hockey. A veteran of over 80 games at the U SPORTS level, and over 130 at the WHL level with Calgary and Vancouver, the veteran defenceman has been moulded by the sport.
"I certainly don't think I'd be the same person I am without hockey. I think about it a lot. A lot of it was just the willingness to do what it takes," he reflected.
"You just have to make the right decision. That's what keeps you in the [WHL] and here it's what makes you successful in the classroom and in your profession. To me it was always about making the right decision and working hard, always, doing your best to leave excuses at the door."
That's exactly what Toth and the Vancouver Giants did during the 2022 WHL playoffs. Despite an up-and-down regular season, the Giants put things together in the post-season, becoming the first No. 8 seed in WHL history to eliminate a No. 1 seed following a six-game victory over Everett.
The Silvertips came into the series with 45 wins out of 68, while the Giants were a 24-win team in the regular season, 47 points below Everett. Against all odds, Vancouver pulled off the biggest upset in WHL playoff history.
Ottawa Senators draft pick Zack Ostapchuk had a goal and four assists in the game six win in front of over 3,300 fans, while leading scorer and first round NHL pick Fabian Lysell had four assists.
"In the playoffs guys who were playing for themselves started playing for everyone else in the room. That switch was so big. Everyone just said I'm going to do this for the guy next to me and stopped worrying about anything else," Toth said.
"There's certainly a little bit of luck in it too, but you get a little bit of luck and everybody doing the right things, and it just came together so well. I'll never forget that feeling as long as I live. I'll always be friends with those guys."
This season at Manitoba, Toth has a career-high nine points while playing in all 24 games. He's been an important piece for a Bisons roster that's in playoff contention with four games to go.
Toth has already taken his MCAT, a seven-hour test, and in storybook fashion, he'll have his medical school interview one day after senior's night this coming Saturday.
"I wouldn't have it any other way, to be able to do something like that. It's the intersection between my life, playing hockey and then having an interview for the rest of my life the next day."
