Hockey Canada announced the inaugural five honourees to the Order of Hockey In Canada.
Hockey legends Wayne Gretzky, Gordie Howe and Jean Beliveau were joined by women's legend Cassie Campbell and builder Gordon Renwick.
All are deserving of the award, but noticeably absent is Paul Henderson. Henderson is the iconic Canadian hero for his game winning goals at the 1972 Summit Series. Given that this is the 40th anniversary of the Summit Series, it seemed like Henderson would be an obvious inaugural inclusion. Especially since Hockey Canada previously announced no posthumous inductions will take place. Since Henderson is battling cancer, they are taking a chance on not being able to honour Henderson in future years.
That being said, the posthumous rule really is silly. Are they really not going to honour the memory of Rocket Richard?
Still, they should have found a way to include Henderson right now. He may not be a Hockey Hall of Famer, but he is arguably more important. He is the standard all Canadian hockey heroes are measured to. The Gretzkys and Lemieuxs and Crosbys all strive to achieve the same success and narratives. Canadian hockey is so much better for it. It pushes every Canadian player to strive to be the very best.
Only three honourees will be chosen in subsequent years.
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