The newly elected Member of Parliament for Vernon-Lake Country-Monashee paid tribute to a pair of Vernon football brothers with his first statement in the House of Commons.
Scott Anderson rose in Ottawa Thursday, May 29, and gave kudos to Ben and Bradley Hladik, members of the Canadian Football League's B.C. Lions and Edmonton Elks, respectively.
"Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two outstanding athletes from my riding of Vernon-Lake Country-Monashee: the Hladik brothers," said Anderson. "Not only have Ben and Bradley Hladik made remarkable strides in Canadian football, they are brothers united by blood and bound by a shared commitment to excellence both on and off the field."
Ben is one of the CFL's top Canadian players. A defensive linebacker, Ben was selected in the third round of the 2021 CFL draft by the Leos after an exceptional career at the University of British Columbia.
Bradley followed his brother to the Point Grey campus, where he played as a fullback, long snapper, and on special teams. He helped UBC reach the U-Sports Vanier Cup Canadian championship game in 2023. Bradley was selected by the Elks in the 2024 league draft.
The brothers are alumni of the powerful Vernon Secondary School Panthers' high school program.
"From Vernon minor football to the VSS Panthers, both brothers have embodied the values of hard work, integrity and community pride," said Anderson. "Their journey is a testament to their family, their coaches and the vibrant football culture of the Okanagan."
The Lions and Elks close out the CFL pre-season schedule tonight, Friday, May 30, with a game in Edmonton, and the two teams open the regular season against one another Saturday, June 7, at B.C. Place in Vancouver.
The Hladiks have never faced each other professionally.
