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- calendar_today October 27, 2026
Order of Hockey in Canada Resumes After Multi-Year Pause
Hockey Canada has announced the return of the Order of Hockey in Canada after a multi-year hiatus. This distinguished honour, which celebrates significant contributions to the sport's growth and development, will once again recognize individuals making a lasting impact on Canadian hockey.
New Nine-Member Selection Committee Formed
A newly established nine-member selection committee will determine the honourees each year. Veteran broadcaster and producer John Shannon has been appointed as chair. The committee is tasked with choosing three individuals annually whose work has advanced hockey in Canada.
Selection Committee Features Former Honourees and Leaders
The selection committee includes four past recipients of the Order of Hockey in Canada: retired women’s hockey players Jayna Hefford (executive vice-president of hockey operations for the Professional Women’s Hockey League), Angela James, France St-Louis, and former men’s hockey player Steve Yzerman. Other members include:
- John Shannon, chair
- Kyle Dubas, general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins
- Tyler McGregor, captain of the Canadian para hockey team
- Anne Merklinger, chief executive officer of Own the Podium
- Shawn Redmond, vice-president and general manager of Bell Media Sports
History and Impact of the Order of Hockey in Canada
The Order of Hockey in Canada was first established in 2012. Since then, it has honoured 36 individuals who have made outstanding contributions as hockey contributors and hockey honourees. The most recent induction occurred in June 2022, shortly after the emergence of sexual assault allegations involving members of the 2018 world junior team.
Upcoming Class of 2026 and Official Statements
Hockey Canada has indicated that the Class of 2026 will be announced in the coming weeks. Katherine Henderson, president and chief executive officer of Hockey Canada, emphasized the importance of the honour in recognizing those who inspire and positively influence the national winter sport. In a statement, she said, “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.”
Committee chair John Shannon acknowledged the significance of the honour, stating, “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.”
Recognizing Canadian Hockey Excellence
The return of the Order of Hockey in Canada marks a renewed commitment to celebrating hockey recognition and hockey awards for those who contribute to the sport. With a robust selection committee comprising influential figures such as Tyler McGregor and Jayna Hefford, the initiative is positioned to honour dedicated individuals shaping the legacy of Canadian hockey for years to come.
Source: cbc.ca.
