Former NBA star Steve Nash, NHLer Sheldon Kennedy and NHL trailblazer Willie O'Ree headline the Class of 2020-21 for Canada's Sports Hall of Fame. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the induction ceremony will occur in 2021.
The full 2020-21 class includes:
- John "Jackie" Barrett - Athlete, Powerlifting and Special Olympian
- Sonja Gaudet - Athlete, Wheelchair Curling
- Diane Jones Konihowski - Athlete, Athletics
- Lorie Kane - Athlete, Golf
- Eric Lamaze and Hickstead - Team, Equestrian - Show Jumping
- Steve Nash - Athlete, Basketball
- Duncan Campbell - Builder, Wheelchair Rugby
- Sheldon Kennedy - Builder, Ice Hockey
- Judy Kent - Builder, Sport Administration
- Willie O'Ree - Builder, Ice Hockey
- Ross Powless - Builder, Lacrosse
All inductees will receive the Order of Sport Award, which is Canada's highest sporting honor.
"In these uncertain times, we are thrilled to be able to share a good news story and to have this remarkable group of people to induct into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame next year, Canada's Sports Hall of Fame president and CEO Cheryl Bernard said in a statement. "We've never been more proud of our sports history, our sports champions and their community spirit and we are formally recognizing these athletes and builders for living and sharing sports value – Canada's shared values; respect, equality, fairness and openness.
"We look forward to bringing Canada together in 2021 to celebrate this exceptional Class when we induct and award them with the Order of Sport for their beyond sport contributions to our country."
Nash was an eight-time All-Star and became the first Canadian to win NBA MVP in 2004-05. He would repeat as NBA MVP the following season and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.
O'Ree became the first black player to play in the NHL when he made his debut with the Boston Bruins in 1958.
Kennedy played eight NHL seasons as a member of the Detroit Red Wings, Calgary Flames and Bruins. Since retiring, he's become an advocate for child sex abuse victims after he experienced abuse from a junior hockey coach while growing up.
Kane was a two-time Canadian Female Athlete of the Year and spent over 20 years on the LPGA Tour.
Gaudet was a three-time Paralympic gold medalist and is the Canadian Curling and B.C. Sports Hall of Fame.
Powless, a standout lacrosse player, will be inducted posthumously. His late son, Gaylord, was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.
Barrett was a 13-time Special Olympian gold medalist in powerlifting over four editions of the World Summer Games.
Lamaze and horse Hickstead won every major Grand Prix title in the world between 2007 and 2011 and captured a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Kent was the first woman to serve as president of the Commonwealth Games Canada and became one of the leaders in Canada's sports landscape.
Konihowski was a former Olympic pentathlete and track and field competitor who spent more than 45 years progressing sport in Canada. She also received the Order of Canada in 1978.
Campbell brought wheelchair rugby into the sporting world through various capacities and was awarded the International Paralympic Order, the highest honor in para-sports.