Walter Gretzky, Steve Nash and Clara Hughes get Order of Canada
The man who first taught Wayne Gretzky how to play hockey is among 61 people who were named to the Order of Canada on Friday.
The Great One’s father, Walter Gretzky, tops a long list of honourees announced by Rideau Hall. In total, Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean announced the appointments of 40 members, 18 officers and three companions (the highest level) of the order.
Also on the list were Phoenix Suns’ star Steve Nash of Victoria and Olympic speedskater Clara Hughes of Winnipeg. Gretzky was named a member, while Nash and Hughes were named officers of the order.
Walter Gretzky is best known as the father of the NHL’s all-time leading scorer, Wayne Gretzky.
Rideau Hall said Walter Gretzky was named to the Order “For his contributions to minor hockey in Canada, and for his dedication to helping a myriad of local, provincial, and national charities.”
Wayne Gretzky, who was appointed to the order in 1984, learned to play hockey on a backyard rink that was made by his father in Brantford., Ont.
Nash was voted the NBA’s most valuable player in 2005 and 2006 to become the first Canadian to win the honour and the ninth player overall to win it in back-to-back seasons.
First handed out in 1967, the Order of Canada launched the creation of the country’s own system of honours.
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Olympic speedskater and cyclist Clara Hughes was also named an officer of the Order – but it wasn’t just for her five Olympic medals.
She also received the award for her work with Right to Play, the international charity that helps disadvantaged children play sports.
Hughes also learned of her nomination back in October. She was about to leave the house in the morning when she got a call from Rideau Hall.
“(I was told) ‘Clara, you’d better sit down for this news,’ “ she recalled.
“You’ve been accepted as an officer of the Order of Canada. Would you accept this appointment?”
And with a laugh she recalled her reply: “I said, ‘Has anybody ever declined it?’ “
When the call came in, she was getting ready to go to the skating rink for her morning training.
She’s also getting ready to go to Ghana early next year for Right to Play.
Hughes says athletes must use their celebrity as a means to an end – as a chance to do something good for others.
She says that even though she’s being rewarded for past accomplishments, she hopes her best work is ahead of her.
“This award is telling me, ‘You’re on the right track.’ “
