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Written by News Editor
Thursday, 16 February 2006
Jamie Salé and David Pelletier Jamie Salé was born on April 21, 1977 in Red Deer, Alberta. David Pelletier was born November 22, 1974 in Sayabec, Quebec. They both currently reside in Edmonton, Alberta. Read More about ..... Jamie Salé and David Pelletier Jamie Salé was born on April 21, 1977 in Red Deer, Alberta. David Pelletier was born November 22, 1974 in Sayabec, Quebec. They both currently reside in Edmonton, Alberta. Jamie and David have been skating together since 1998. Despite injuries to both of the pair, they have been successful in competition together. They finished fourth in the 2000 World Championships, and first at the 2001 World Championships. Jamie and David came to the worlds attention early last year where their gold medals came after much controversy and being first awarded the silver. February 17, 2002 Jamie and David were awarded Olympic Gold medals and became co-Olympic champions along with the Russian pair Yelena Berezhnaya and Anton Sikharulidze. Jamie and David have since retired from amateur skating and have signed on with Stars on Ice for the 2003 tour. Jacques Villeneuve First Canadian to become Grand Prix World Champion. Paul Tracy Paul Tracy was born on December 17, 1968 in Scarborough, Ontario. Since he was a young boy, he has had a passion for cars and racing. This passion led to his becoming the youngest Canadian Formula Ford Champion ever when he won the title at age sixteen. Paul has won many races since then. He moved through many circuits and now races in the CART series for the Player's/Forsythe Team. This year on the CART circuit he has placed first six times so far and is now leading active CART drivers in career victories with twenty-five wins. James Naismith This is the guy who invented basketball. Yes, a Canadian invented basketball. He was born in Almonte, Ontario in 1861. At age 30 he was teaching phys. ed. at the YMCA training school in Springfield, Massachusets when the director asked him to think up an indoor game to keep the students in shape between football and baseball seasons. This is when he came up with basketball. He started out by using peach baskets nailed to the gymnasium balcony. He appeared as a guest of honor at the 1936 Olympics when basketball was first played as an Olympic sport. Kurt Browning Figure skater Mike Weir A proud Canadian member of the PGA. He came a close second to Tiger Woods at the Motorola Western open on July 4, 1999 and a couple of months later went on to win a PGA Tour Event on Sunday, September 5, 1999. It was the Air Canada Championship and this marks the first time in seven years a Canadian won a PGA Tour event and the first time since 1954 that a Canadian won a PGA Tour Event on Canadian soil. And just this April, Mike became the first Canadian to win The Masters. Way to go Mike! Weir was born in Sarnia, Ontario in 1970, but currently splits his time between Utah and Bright's Grove, Ontario. As an amateur he won the Ontario Amateur Championship in 1990. He turned professional in 1992 and was named Canadian Tour Rookie of the Year just a short year later. Weir ranked #1 in the Canadian tour in 1997 and in 1998 Weir became a U.S. PGA Tour Member. Bret Hart Born as Bret Sergeant Hart on July 2nd, 1957 in Calgary, Alberta Canada. Brother to the deceased wrestler Owen Hart. Bret actually went to the Mount Royal College of Film in Calgary for a full year before making the move to professional wrestling. "Hitman" began his professional wrestling career at the age of 18 although he had been involved in the world of wrestling for many years before through his father. He began in the Calgary Stampede Wrestling, which has been a breeding ground for many future wrestling stars. Bret hit the big time in 1985 in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) with brother-in-law Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart. Bret and the Anvil would team up as the Hart Foundation, with Jimmy Hart as their manager. Eventually the Hart Foundation split and Bret continued with a successful solo career in the WWF until a controversial ending to his Survivor Series World Title matchup against Shawn Michaels drove a wedge between the Hitman and Vince McMahon (the head of the WWF). Bret later moved onto to a successful run with the WCW. Bret is a Nine-Time World Title holder. Related... Owen Hart Owen Hart wrestled under the names The Blue Blazer and The Rocket. Owen was the youngest of a family known for their involvement in the professional wrestling industry, which included older brother Bret Hart. He started out in Calgary and then Japan, but had a hard time once he hit the WWF. Attention was showered onto Owen once he won a match against brother Bret at WrestleMania 10. Brother Bret later left the WWF, but Owen continued on with the federation. On May 23, 1999 at the Over The Edge PPV, Owen Hart was killed by a fall from the rafters in the Kemper Arena in Kansas City. Donovan Bailey Donovan was born in Manchester, Jamaica on December 16, 1967. At thirteen he moved to Canada. While he has beaten American Michael Johnson for the title of Worlds Fastest Man, one wouldn't have bet on such a feat in Donovan's days before becoming a sprinter. Through high school he spent much time playing basketball, and not giving a moment's thought to track. It wasn't until Donovan was 26 (quite old in the sports world) that he really began his pursuit of the Worlds Fastest Man title. It's reported that he was watching the Canadian Track Championships and thought he could outdo what he was watching. And he's proven that he was. After only eight weeks of intensive training, Donovan came in first at the Commonwealth and Francophone Games! A year later he won the World Championships, solidifying his position. Donovan has won numerous competitions in the 50 and 100 metre including Olympic Gold for the mens 100 metre and 4x100 metre relay. Donovan has retired from competition, but still to this date holds the World Record for the 50 metres, and the Olympic Record for the 100 metres. Donovan now resides in Oakville, Ontario (just outside of Toronto) and keeps busy as a motivational speaker and with charitable work. Nancy Greene A Canadian skiing sensation. Her career reached its heights with gold and silver medals at the 1968 Grenoble Games, and two consecutive World Cup championships (1967 & 1968). Barbara-Ann Scott Barbara-Ann was an olympic figure skater, and the only Canadian to win an Olympic gold in the 1940s. Originally from Ottawa, Ontario. Silken Laumann Born November 14, 1964 in Mississauga, Ontario. Silken started rowing at age 17 after a career in competitive running. In addition to her impressive contributions representing Canada as a rower she also took on the role of Canadian team flagbearer during 1992 Closing Ceremonies . Silken was brought to the attention of many Canadians who don't follow rowing when taking a cold medication caused much controversy as it lead to a positive drug test for a banned substance. Mario Lemieux Mario Lemieux was born on October 5, 1965 in Montreal, Quebec. As a child, Mario's Dad would make a rink on their front yard for Mario and his brothers to skate on. As he got older Mario chose to stay in Quebec for his days in Junior hockey. In 1984 Mario was selected first in the NHL Hockey draft by the Pittsburg Penguins, and showed he was worthy of this pick by scoring a goal in his first shift, during his first game for the NHL on October 11th against the Boston Bruins. That year Mario scored 100 goals and was aptly named Rookie of the Year. From 1984 to 1997 Mario was the heart and soul of the Pittsburg Penguins, although the years 1993 to 1997 were plagued with illness and injury. Mario retired after the 1996-1997 season, and in 1997 Mario was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame without having to wait the customary three years after retirement. Later that year he became the first Pittsburg Penguins player to have his number retired. Mario returned to the NHL and the Pittsburg Penguins in December 2000, and his goal in the n the 2001-2002 season was to bring the Stanley Cup back to Pittsburg. While this did not happen, Mario's return did bring a lot of excitement to the games last season, and was honoured to be the captain of the Gold Medal winning Canadian Men's Hockey team in the 2002 Winter Olympics. Jean Béliveau Jean was known as an outstanding playmaker, scorer and leader. Out of 10 attempts, he lead the Montreal Canadiens to five victories as Stanley Cup champions while captain of the team. Gordie Howe Also known as Mr. Hockey. He is a player of legendary proportions. Continued playing professional hockey long enough (32 years) to play alongside his sons. Retired at age 52 in 1980. Bobby Orr Bobby has been named as arguably the best defenceman to ever play in the NHL. He revolutionized the game with his speed and his open ice artistry. Orr was named the 1976 Canada Cup tournament’s most valuable player. He is originally from Parry Sound, Ontario. Brian Orser This figure skater won a world championship, two Olympic silver medals and a record eight National Senior championships during his amateur career. In 1988 at the Olympic games in Calgary, Alberta, he was chosen to be the flag-bearer for the Canada for the opening ceremonies. Carolyn Waldo Carolyn Waldo, synchronized swimmer, was Canada’s first female athlete to win two gold medals in one Olympic games. Carolyn is currently working as a sportcaster at the local CTV station in Ottawa (CJOH). Patrick Roy Born October 5^th, 1965 in Quebec City, Quebec. Played for the Montreal Canadians from his first year in the NHL, 1984 - 1985 season, until the 1995 - 1996 season. Currently Goaltender for the Stanley Cup winning Colorado Avalanche and joint owner of the QJMHL's Quebec Remparts. Martin Brodeur Born May 6^th, 1972 in Montreal, Quebec. Martin has been goalie for the NHL's New Jersey Devils since his start in the NHL in the 1991 -1992 season. he contributed to the team's 1995 and 2000 Stanley Cup wins. Became second goalie to score playoff goal on April 17^th, 1997 against the Montreal Canadians. Played in five straight NHL All Star Games, 1996 - 2000. Steve Nash The 15th player chosen in the 1996 NBA Draft. First Canadian to play in the NBA All-Star game. Guard for NBA's Dallas Mavericks. Wayne Gretzky Wayne Douglas Gretzky was born January 26, 1961, to Walter and Phyllis in Brantford, Ontario. Wayne's father spotted his talent right from the beginning. Walter had been a former amateur hockey player himself and worked on a backyard ice rink with Wayne from age three. By age six Wayne was playing on the local Brantford Novice All-Star team. By 1977 Wayne was the leading scorer and youngest player in the 1977 Junior World Cup tournament in Montreal. Wayne moved onto the World Hockey Association the next year, playing for the Indianapolis Racers. Late that season, Wayne was sold to another WHA team, the Edmonton Oilers. Since his start in the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers, Wayne has won awards and accolades many times over. Career Highlights: Edmonton Oilers 1979 to 1988, where he helped bring to Edmonton four Stanley Cups. Los Angeles Kings 1988 to 1996. His time there has been credited for the rise of popularity among Americans for hockey in general. St. Louis Blues 1996. New York Rangers 1996 to 1999. Scored first NHL goal at age 18 at the Maple Leafs Gardens. On December 30, 1981 he broke the 50 goals in 50 games record held jointly by Mike Bossy and Maurice "Rocket" Richard by scoring his 50^th goal in his 39^th game of the season. On February 2, 1982 he broke Phil Esposito's record of of 76 goals in a season by scoring his 77^th that year. Wayne finished the season with a total of 92 goals. On November 23, 1986 he scored his 500^th goal. On October 25, 1989 became the NHL career scoring leader with his 1 852^nd point, beating Gordie Howe. On March 23, 1994 he became the NHL career goal-scoring leader by scoring his 802^nd goal, surpassing Gordie Howe. His last NHL game was April 18, 1999 for the New York Rangers, in New York, against the Pittsburg Penguins. Inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame November 1999. Among others, Wayne has been awarded: Four Stanley Cups 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988 (all with Edmonton) Nine-time Hart Memorial Trophy winner (Regular Season Most Valuable Player) 1980 - 1989 Ten-time Art Ross Trophy winner (Regular Season Scoring Championship) 1981 - 1987, 1990, 1991, 1994 Two-time Conn Smythe Trophy winner (Stanley Cup Playoffs Most Valuable Player) 1985, 1988 Five Lester B. Pearson Awards (NHL's Outstanding Player- Selected by players) 1982 - 1985, 1987 Five-time Lady Byng Memorial Trophy winner (Most Gentlemanly Player) 1980, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1999 Four-time winner of the Emery Edge Award (Best Plus-Minus rating) 1983 - 1985, 1987 Three Time All-Star MVP 1983, 1988, 1999 Three Time Chrysler-Dodge/NHL Performer Of The Year 1985 - 1987 One Lester Patrick Trophy 1994 Ten Molson Cups (Oilers three-star champion) 1980 - 1988 Three Canada Cups 1984, 1987, 1991 Outside of the hockey arena he's been no slouch either, Wayne is an Officer of the Order of Canada. He has three children with his wife Janet. In September 1998 he unveiled his own clothing line at The Bay. In the early 1990s he was a co-owner of the CFL's Toronto Argonauts with fellow Canadian John Candy. He owns two roller hockey arenas in California which run pickup games and training camps. He has his own restaurant, appropriately named Wayne Gretzky's, in Toronto at 99 Blue Jays Way and is currently a managing partner of the Phoenix Coyotes. Chris Pronger This St. Louis Blues defenceman (and team captain) was born October 10, 1974 in Dryden, Ontario. In the 1993 NHL Entry Draft he chosen by the Hartford Whalers as the second pick in the first round. In July of 1995 he was traded to the St. Louis Blues for Brendan Shanahan. Chris proudly played for Canada in the 1998 Olympics. This past February he played in his second NHL All-Star game (the NHLs 50^th). His brother Sean is a center for the Pittsburg Penguins. At the end of his seventh NHL season he won the Hart Trophy for being NHL's most valuable player and the Norris Trophy as top defenceman! Chris is the first defenceman since Bobby Orr in 1972 to win both the Hart and Norris Trophies. Greg Moore Greg was born and grew up in British Columbia. He began karting in 1986. His first CART victory was June 1, 1997 at the Milwaukee Mile. He was the youngest driver ever to win a CART race. He went on to have two more promising seasons after that until his life was cut short by a fatal crash at the age of 24 during the season ending CART race in Fontana, California October 31^st, 1999. Mike Frogley Head Coach of the Canadian Men's National Wheelchair Basketball team (which brought home a gold in the 2000 Paralympics) and coaches the Men's team at University of Illinois Elvis Stojko Elvis was born March 22, 1972 in Newmarket, Ontario. At age three Elvis saw figure skating on television and told his parents that's what he wanted to do. His parents made him hold off until he was 5. Once he started skating, he never stopped. Elvis excelled at the sport and by age 17 he was conquering the triple axel. A year later (1991) Elvis made history by landing the first quad combination in competition, a quad toe-double toe at the World Championships in Munich. Elvis has gone on to win numerous awards and win the hearts of many fans and continues to make history. The Elvis Stojko, Heart of a Champion site, who stopped counting last year, lists over 20 Gold Medals that Elvis has received between 1988 and 2000, 15 Silvers and 5 Bronzes. Elvis' hometown is Richmond Hill, Ontario, where in 1994 they named a skating rink after him. He currently trains at Ice Works - Aston, Pennsylvania. Detailed information on the awards he has won is available from Skate Canada Simon Whitfield Simon Whitfield shone in the spotlight last September upon winning Gold in the triathlon at the Sydney Olympic Games. Going into the games Simon was ranked the #1 competitor from North America (twenty-first overall). Before his win at the Olympics he had already been the Canadian Champion for two years in a row. Simon joined Canada's National Triathalon Team in 1996. Previously he had been a member of the junior team and won the honor of Canadian Junior Triathalon Champion for 1995. Simon now lives and trains in Victoria, British Columbia, and is a full-time athlete. He is however, a Kingston, Ontario native. He was born there on the sixteenth of May, 1975 and grew up there throughout school. Maurice Richard Richard played 18 years in the NHL. He won eight Stanley Cups. In a single game, he three times scored four goals, 33 times scored three goals and 107 times scored two goals. He was the first player to score 50 goals in 50 games. He was named to the All Stars 14 times. He scored 626 goals and 465 assists in 1,111 games. Even today, he is among the 10 top scorers of the National Hockey League. From Rendez-vous de la francophonie Maurice "Rocket" Richard passed on Saturday, May 27th. Many tribute sites have been highlighted: Maurice "the Rocket" Richard Maurice Richard Maurice Rocket Richard Portail French
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 01 August 2007 )

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