Hockey Canada has named three figures who changed the game in this country to the Order of Hockey in Canada for 2026, honouring coach and builder Melody Davidson, para hockey captain Todd Nicholson, and all-time scoring leader Hayley Wickenheiser as Distinguished Honourees.

Hockey Canada has announced that Melody Davidson (Oyen, AB), Todd Nicholson (Ottawa, ON) and Hayley Wickenheiser (Shaunavon, SK) have been named to the Order of Hockey in Canada as Distinguished Honourees for 2026.

Established in 2012, the Order of Hockey in Canada recognizes individuals for their outstanding contributions or service to the growth and development of hockey in Canada.

“Melody, Todd and Hayley have been incredible ambassadors for hockey in Canada throughout their careers, and we are so excited for them and their families that they are being recognized with this honour for their significant contributions to our National Winter Sport,” said Katherine Henderson, president and chief executive officer of Hockey Canada. “The impact they have each had on the game is immeasurable, and we cannot wait to celebrate their accomplishments with all Canadians.”

The Class of 2026 was selected by a new, nine-person committee that is chaired by hockey broadcaster and producer John Shannon.

“There is no shortage of deserving candidates for the Order of Hockey in Canada and the nomination process for this year’s class was no exception,” said Shannon. “Congratulations to Melody, Todd and Hayley for this significant achievement, and thank you to our committee members for their commitment to serving as volunteers to help re-introduce this initiative.”

Melody Davidson – An instrumental part of four women’s hockey gold medals at the Olympic Winter Games (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014), four IIHF Women’s World Championship titles (1994, 2000, 2001, 2007) and a silver medal at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games, Davidson’s involvement with Canada’s National Women’s Team included time as the program’s general manager, head coach, assistant coach and head scout. In addition to her roles with Team Canada, Davidson was the women’s hockey head coach at Connecticut College (1997-2000) and Cornell University (2003-06), served as an assistant coach with the Calgary Canucks (2006-09, 2010-11) and won a gold medal at the 1997 Esso Women’s Nationals as an assistant coach with the Edmonton Chimos. A graduate of the University of Alberta, Davidson was a high-performance advisor with Own the Podium from 2020-26 and is now the commissioner of the Canadian Sport School Hockey League.

“To be recognized by the Order of Hockey in Canada is an incredible honour,” said Davidson. “Sport has been a lifelong passion, but in hockey, the opportunities weren’t always there, especially for women. I approached each role — coach, general manager, scout, ambassador or mentor — with pride and a commitment to create opportunities for others to experience all this great game has to offer. Thank you to everyone who contributes to the growth and development of hockey and continues to leave the game in a better place for the next generation.”

Todd Nicholson – The captain of Canada’s National Sledge Team (now National Para Hockey Team) from 1994-2007, Nicholson was part of five gold medal-winning teams during his national team career, including the 2006 Paralympic Winter Games and two IPC Sledge Hockey World Championships (2000, 2008). He also earned a silver medal with Team Canada at the 1998 Paralympics and a bronze medal at his first Games in 1994. After para hockey joined Hockey Canada in 2004, Nicholson recorded 52 points (11 goals, 41 assists) in 83 international games with Team Canada. The chair of Own the Podium from 2018-23, Nicholson was chef de mission with Team Canada at the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games and chair of the International Paralympic Committee Athletes’ Council from 2013-17.

“I am incredibly honoured and humbled to be named a Distinguished Honouree of the Order of Hockey in Canada,” said Nicholson. “While I am proud of what we accomplished wearing the Maple Leaf, this recognition is about so much more than the medals or the moments on the ice: it is about the teammates, coaches, families, volunteers and supporters who have been part of the journey and the people who have worked tirelessly to create more opportunities for others to experience the power of sport. I have always believed that sport has the ability to bring people together, break down barriers and change lives and I hope we continue to build on the incredible progress made in para ice hockey and across our game, ensuring that the next generation has even greater opportunities to participate, compete and pursue their dreams.”

Hayley Wickenheiser – A leader with Canada’s National Women’s Team from 1994-2016, Wickenheiser holds the record for most games played (276), goals (168), assists (211) and points (379) in the program’s history. She helped lead Team Canada to four Olympic gold medals (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014), seven IIHF Women’s World Championships (1994, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2004, 2007, 2012) and silver medals at the 1998 Olympic Winter Games and six world championships (2005, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2016). Named the Most Valuable Player at the 2002 and 2006 Olympics, Wickenheiser won the Clarkson Cup with the Calgary Inferno (2016) and a U SPORTS national championship with the University of Calgary (2012), in addition to five titles with the Calgary Oval X-Treme (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008). The founder of WickFest – the world’s premier girls hockey festival, Wickenheiser spent seven seasons (2018-26) in a senior management role with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

“I am very honoured and grateful to receive the Order of Hockey in Canada,” said Wickenheiser. “It was the honour of my life to play for Canada. The beautiful game belongs to all of us and I share this honour with everyone who loves, contributes to and continues to grow our game.”

The Class of 2026 will be formally celebrated next month at the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship during Canada’s game against Norway on Dec. 29. Information on media availability will be circulated prior to that event.

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