Jennifer Botterill: A Legacy of Excellence on and Off the Ice Jennifer Botterill is one of the most decorated athletes in Canada, a fixture with the women’s national hockey team program for 14 years. The Winnipegger represented her country in four Olympics, capturing three gold medals (2002, 2006, and 2010) and a silver (1998). …
Dr. Sandra Kirby: A Trailblazer in Safe Sport and Gender Equity The first time Dr. Sandra Kirby spoke publicly about sexual abuse in sport, she could feel the change in the air. It was 1994, and the University of Winnipeg sociologist had been invited to give a speech at the Commonwealth Games in Victoria,…
Photo credit: Pure Lifestyle Ltd. Russ Horbal: A Lifelong Commitment to Sports Medicine and Athlete Success With highlights that include supporting roles with the Winnipeg Jets, Blue Bombers, Goldeyes, and numerous Canadian Olympic contingents, Russ Horbal’s resume reads like a dream for sports medicine professionals. But if you ask Horbal himself, it’s not these…
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Ted Irvine Ted Irvine’s Unlikely NHL Journey For most teenagers, being pulled out of a matinee by their father would be a life-scarring nightmare. But Ted Irvine was not most teenagers. In 1963, the 18-year-old was watching The Great Escape at the Metropolitan Theatre in downtown Winnipeg when his…
The Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame joins those mourning the passing of legendary athlete Bruce Pirnie. Pirnie’s career in shot putting took him across the globe, and he reciprocated by providing guidance to organizations and young athletes. Pirnie’s career included several provincial championships and a selection to the International Amateur Athletic Federation’s All-Star team in…
On behalf of its Board of Directors and Selection Committee, the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame has announced the Class of 2024. This year’s class encompasses three individual athletes, two builders, and one team, and features Special Olympics, hockey, volleyball, multi-sport, and sport medicine. “I want to congratulate the inductees for all they have accomplished…
Celebrate Manitoba’s rich sport heritage at the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame’s Annual Induction Ceremony presented by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. The Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame will induct the Class of 2024. This year’s slate of inductees — five individuals and one team — are exceptional and have earned…
The Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame and our provincial sport community are remembering Gerry James, an inspiring athlete who passed away on February 13, 2024. Gerry James was honoured by the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame in 1982 for his accomplishments in football, but he was also a standout in hockey. On the gridiron, James,…
The Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame and the greater sport community are remembering Kenny Ploen, an incredible athlete who passed away on February 13, 2024. Ploen was an NFL Draft selection by the Cleveland Browns in 1957 but instead signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. During the team’s most dominant seasons, Ploen was at the…
The Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame and its community is saddened by the recent passing of Mary Dopson. Dopson, nee Pittas, passed away on January 15, 2024, at the amazing age of 105. While Mary was born in Scotland, her family moved to Fort Rouge in 1919 where she lived for most of her life….