2017 has been a good year for High River's Kowal family.

First NHL Referee, Tom Kowal, hit his milestone 1000th NHL game back in January, and was honoured by the League for his accomplishment.

Now, his son Troy Kowal, has been a awarded a football scholarship with the Division II Minot State Beavers, in North Dakota.

The Highwood Mustangs offensive tackle says he's got some getting ready to do between now and fall.

You've just got to get working right? I'm excited, it's a good team I think and there's a lot of guys from up here, so I'm really excited to go down there and give it my best and see where it takes me.

Kowal says he was planning to go to school in either Boston or Spokane before being offered the scholarship.

He says he plans on majoring in business with a minor in broadcasting.