Returrn Of The 'Order Of Hockey In Canada' Brings New Opportunity To Recognize Women's Hockey Players

Hockey Canada is bringing back the Order of Hockey in Canada. The honour has not been bestowed since 2022 after recognizing 36 "Distinguished Honourees" since its foundation in 2012.

Historically, women have been excluded from Halls of Fame, including vastly disproportionate representation in the Hockey Hall of Fame. The return of the Order of Hockey in Canada has an opportunity to recognize more women in hockey, including those previously overlooked by the Hockey Hall of Fame.

“The Order of Hockey in Canada is an important initiative to celebrate some of the incredible and inspiring individuals who have positively impacted our National Winter Sport, and we are thrilled to announce its return,” said Katherine Henderson, president and chief executive officer of Hockey Canada. “As we re-introduce the Order to Canadians, we welcome our new selection committee and thank them for their commitment to identify deserving people in the game who will receive this honour.”

Of the 36 current honourees, the list includes Cassie Campbell, France St-Louis, Geraldine Heaney, Fran Rider, Danielle Goyette, Jayna Hefford, Angela James, and Kim St-Pierre.

Hockey Canada also named a new selection committee for the Order of Hockey in Canada. The committee is led by chair John Shannon, as well as Hefford, James, St-Louis, Kyle Dubas, Tyler McGregor, Anne Merklinger, Shawn Redmond, and Steve Yzerman.

Each member of the committee is eligible to nominate one individual for consideration, with three new names to be invested in the Order each year.

“Our committee understands how significant this honour is to Canadians and we are excited to contribute to its return this year,” said Shannon. “As we look towards announcing the Class of 2026 and beyond, we know that telling the stories of the Distinguished Honourees will be extremely valuable to humanizing their accomplishments and we couldn’t be more proud to begin our work.”

According to Hockey Canada, the Class of 2026 of the Order of Hockey in Canada is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.