As a sports fan, I’m not gonna lie, getting a chance to share a stage with Team Canada ’72 was a trip! There’s been hundreds of thousands of goals scored in hockey, but only one gets to be called ‘THE’ goal. People in my generation are divided in to two groups – those born before, and those born after ‘THE’ goal. When someone refers to ‘THE’ goal we know they’re talking about Henderson’s clutch play in the ’72 Summit Series with Russia. A moment that changed Canada’s identity on the world stage, and forever changed the global boundaries in the world of hockey. To me, Team Canada ’72, was at the top of the inductee list at this year’s Canada’s Walk of Fame.
Bobby Clarke, centre left, and Dennis Hull, centre right, unveil a plaque as the 1972 Team Canada hockey team are inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in Toronto on Saturday, September 22, 2012. Photo: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
But the more I looked, the more I realized that this year’s crop were some of the most unique yet.
Take ballet dancer Sonia Rodriguez, she became part of the first Canadian couple to both have a star. Before the ceremony her husband, and figure skating legend, Kurt Browning grabbed me on the carpet to let me know (in the sweetest and most beaming with pride way) they were the first ‘family’ to have stars. The first husband and wife duo to achieve such an honour.
Let’s not forget Sarah McLachlan! Over 40 million albums and one of the best voices to come out of this country, or any other for that matter.
Russ Jackson is another one! CFL legend and one of the most talented athletes to ever touch a Football!
Oh, and then there’s Randy Bachman! Randy, who was first inducted as a member of The Guess Who, became one of two Canadians to receive a second star on the Walk Of Fame. The other? Randy’s former Guess Who band mate, Burton Cummings.
Nearly 30,000 Canadians from 135 countries submitted a nomination including Paul Hartman, brother of the late Phil Hartman. It’s hard to believe it’s been 14 years since Phil’s death. I still get choked up if I flip passed an old “Troy McClure” episode of The Simpsons. Phil’s induction is the payoff for tireless effort made by Paul and a grassroots campaign led by some of Phil’s most hardcore fans. Only one Star is given posthumously each year and, to me, there is no one more deserving than Phil Hartman.
Watch for more CWOF action on tonight’s ET Canada and check out the full Canada’s Walk of Fame Awards Show when it airs Sunday, October 14 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on Global TV!
