Wickenheiser, Davidson To Be Honored With "Order Of Hockey In Canada"

Hockey Canada unveiled their first distinguished honourees for the newly revived Order of Hockey in Canada. Among the three individuals to be invested were Hayley Wickenheiser and Melody Davidson, along with Todd Nicholson.

“Melody, Todd and Hayley have been incredible ambassadors for hockey in Canada throughout their careers, and we are so excited for them and their families that they are being recognized with this honour for their significant contributions to our National Winter Sport,” said Katherine Henderson, president and CEO of Hockey Canada.

“The impact they have each had on the game is immeasurable, and we cannot wait to celebrate their accomplishments with all Canadians.”

Wickenheiser was inducted to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2020 and still holds the Canadian national team records for games played, goals, assists, and points. Over her career with Team Canada, Wickenheiser won four Olympic gold medals and seven IIHF World Championship golds.

“I am very honoured and grateful to receive the Order of Hockey in Canada,” said Wickenheiser. “It was the honour of my life to play for Canada. The beautiful game belongs to all of us and I share this honour with everyone who loves, contributes to and continues to grow our game.”

Davidson was inducted to the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2024, amid a career of building that continues today. Davidson helped guide Team Canada to multiple gold medals at the Olympic, World Championship, and U-18 World Championship levels, and did so in various roles including team head coach, general manager, assistant coach, and head scout. Davidson remains active in the sport as the commissioner of the Canadian Sport School Hockey League, and is working as a consultant for Austria's national women's team.

“To be recognized by the Order of Hockey in Canada is an incredible honour,” said Davidson. “Sport has been a lifelong passion, but in hockey, the opportunities weren’t always there, especially for women. I approached each role — coach, general manager, scout, ambassador or mentor — with pride and a commitment to create opportunities for others to experience all this great game has to offer. Thank you to everyone who contributes to the growth and development of hockey and continues to leave the game in a better place for the next generation.”

They'll be joined by Todd Nicholson, former captain of Canada's men's para ice hockey team playing for the national team for 13 years winning a Paralympic gold in 2006 and two World Championships.

The 2026 honourees will be formally celebrated during the IIHF World Junior Championships when Canada takes on Norway for their December 29 game.