THE ATHLETES

Athletes compete in different sporting arenas, but the elements of their success are the same: determination, innovation, commitment, loyalty, teamwork, a positive attitude, skill, the desire to achieve and old fashioned hard work.

An athlete's legacy is not just a record of athletic accomplishments, but also the individual's ability to lift those around them to  a higher level, who through his or her example in sport has most inspired the people in our communities.

We celebrate these athletes and their achievements in sport and life.

On this page view the highlights of the Athletes who have been honoured, starting with the most recent inductees, and from there you can link to their story.
 

 
Inductees 2011

Jimmy Rattlesnake

Jimmy, the ‘Smilin’ Rattler’ is a legend.  He was one of Canada’s greatest aboriginal athletes and baseball was his game.  He was the first Aboriginal baseball player from Canada to play professionally in the US. He was an outstanding pitcher who was scouted by a New York team in the 1930’s and invited to Spring Training.   The team was high on him. A “southpaw”, he was great at picking off players trying to steal bases, it was like he had eyes all over and he was fast... but he didn’t like the big city of New York.

Full Story

Sheila Friesen (nee Gangopadhyay)

At age seven Sheila began private lessons when it became apparent that she had the ability, focus and determination to excel in her chosen sport and that she did.  She qualified for Provincials at the age of nine and competed at the Juvenile Ladies level.  Sheila’s dedication and countless hours of practice enabled her to reach figure skatings’ elite level where she represented her city, province and country by competing at national and international level competitions. In 1997 Sheila was chosen to represent Canada at the World Winter Universiade Games in South Korea where she placed fifth.  She had the honour of being chosen by the Canadian Team to carry the Canadian flag in the Closing Ceremonies.

Full Story

Rod Buskas

Rod was an WHL All-Star and received the Best Defenseman Award for the Tigers.  He also set a record of seven points in one game with the Tigers scoring two goals and adding five assists.  After his solid junior career, Rod was drafted in 1981 in the sixth round by the Pittsburg Penguins.  Rod was a “hard nosed physical defender” and in 1990-91 he was Pittsburgh’s all- time leader in penalty minutes, a record at that time.  He played with Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Chicago. This past year he was invited by Mario Lemieux and the Pittsburgh Penguin organization to play in the Winter Classic Alumni game, an elite group, he scored a goal in a 5-5 tie.

Full Story

Dallas Dorchester

His first racing year set the stage for what was to become one of the most celebrated “Hall of Fame” careers in the sport of chuckwagon.  Dallas was the 1984 World Champion Chuckwagon Driver and won more than 40 show championships in his illustrious career.  His record of five North American Chuckwagon Championships stand to this day. Dallas was a founding member of the World Professional Chuckwagon Association. Dallas Dorchester won all the big races.  His last major win came in 1996 when he captured the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Award symbolic of the Calgary Stampede Aggregate Champion.

Full Story

 
Inductees 2010

Patrick Hardy - Football

Wetaskiwin born Patrick Hardy, an around athlete is honoured for his abilities, achievements and contribution to the sport of football - an outstanding football career in high school, at the junior level and at the university level where he played for the Calgary Dinosaurs for five years, and for over 50 games with the Dinos Patrick was a starting player playing halfback and corner.  Now an avid golfer golfing to a single-digit handicap and still plays hockey with the Usona Oilers.

Full Story

Kelly Kisio

Kelly Kisio was a dominant NHL player and an inspiration to his team mates.  Called "a coach's hockey player" - heart, desire, coachable, desire, quick shot and great hockey sense, he distinguished himself from an early age. WHL Rookie of Year, New York Ranger's Fan Favourite, captain, and averaged 70 points a season.  In San Hose, voted by the media as “Sharks Player of the Year”,  assistant captain and led team in scoring.  More recently as GM of Calgary Hitmen awarded the Lloyd Saunders Memorial Trophy give to the WHL’s Top Executive and led team to several division and league victories.

Full Story

Induction Categories