CALGARY -- Former Calgary Flame Sheldon Kennedy was named to the Order of Hockey in Canada Tuesday, alongside former Montreal Canadien icon Ken Dryden and concussion expert Dr. Charles Tator.
The trio, recognized for their outstanding contributions to the game of hockey, will be honoured at the annual Hockey Canada Foundation Gala and Golf event this June in Niagara Falls.
Kennedy is known almost as much for his advocacy efforts off the ice as for his achievements as a player on the ice. A long-time advocate for for the prevention of bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination, Kennedy co-founded the Respect Group, which has trained over a million Canadians to recognize and prevent bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination in sports, schools, and at work.
"Thank you to everyone who has helped and believed in me," Kennedy tweeted Tuesday.
In 1998, Kennedy raised over $1 million to support sexual abuse victims by rollerblading across Canada.
On ice, Kennedy played for a trio of teams during his NHL career, including the Red Wings (1989-94), Flames (1995-96) and Bruins (1996-97) but his greatest hockey achievements may have come as a junior. He spent three seasons with Swift Current of the WHL, including one where, as the team captain, he led them to a WHL championship and Memorial Cup in 1989.
Kennedy was also a member of the Canadian World Juniors team in 1988 and again in 1989, scoring 13 points in 14 games and winning a gold medal in 1988.
In addition to the Order of Hockey in Canada, Kennedy has been honoured with the Hockey Canada Order of Merit (2018), the Alberta Order of Excellence (2016) and the Order of Canada (2014).
