Famous Canadian Sports Personalities
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Though Ice hockey is the most popular sports in Canada, the country has produced some great athletes in various sports who have left their impression on the minds of fans all over the world. The list of famous Canadian Sports Personalities would be incomplete without the mention of Lionel Conacher who won laurels for his country in football, baseball and ice hockey. The famous athlete was nicknamed ‘The Big Train’. Wayne Gretzky and Gordie Howe are two among the most famous ice hockey players the country has seen. Ben Johnson who held the record of being the fastest man in the world during the 1980s was a Canadian. While mentioning famous Canadian Sports Personalities, it is imperative to name Jacques Villeneuve, the famous race car driver; and Mike Weir who has made a niche for himself among the top 50 golfers in the world. The names of athletes like Terry Fox and Kurt Browning will be remembered fondly among sports lovers. Not lagging behind, the female Sports Personalities of the country such as Lela Brooks, Ethel Cartherwood, Nancy Greene and Myriam Bedard have earned international acclaim. Here we present to you a collection of biographies of some of the most famous Canadian Sports Personalities. To know more about their lives, timeline, explore the collection where we have even revealed some interesting facts and trivia about the personalities.
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1
Wayne Gretzky(One of the Greatest Ice Hockey Players in the History of the National Hockey League)
Birthdate: January 26, 1961
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Brantford, Canada
Nicknamed "The Great One,” Wayne Gretzky is a four-time Stanley Cup Champion and a six-time All-Star record-breaker. The Hockey Hall of Fame inductee played for four NHL teams from 1979 to 1999, was the leading scorer in NHL history, and served as the head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes.
Birthdate: May 19, 1981
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Quebec, Canada
Considered one of the greatest fighters in MMA history, Georges St-Pierre is a former professional mixed martial artist. Starting from 2008, he was named by Rogers Sportsnet as the Canadian Athlete of the Year for three consecutive years. When he defeated Michael Bisping at UFC 217, he became only the fourth fighter to be a multi-division champion in UFC history.
3
Steve Nash(Former Canadian Basketball Player, Coach and 8-Time NBA All-Star Winner)
Birthdate: February 7, 1974
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Johannesburg, South Africa
Canadian national Steve Nash is a basketball coach and a former player. Known for his playmaking skills, he played for Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers in America’s coveted National Basketball Association. He also played for the Canadian national men’s team from 1991 to 2003. He became the head coach of Brooklyn Nets of NBA in September 2020.
4
Chris Jericho(One of the Greatest Professional Wrestlers of All Time)
Birthdate: November 9, 1970
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Manhasset, New York, United States
Chris Jericho is a professional wrestler, entrepreneur, actor, and musician. Widely regarded as one of the greatest pro wrestlers ever, Jericho is also one of the most recognized WWE superstars in the history of the wrestling promotion. Apart from wrestling, Jericho is a also famous singer, currently serving as the lead singer for Fozzy, a heavy metal band.
Birthdate: May 21, 1967
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Montreal, Canada
Died: June 25, 2007
Often regarded as one of the best wrestlers of all time, Chris Benoit was known for putting his body on the line to create a greater impact than most of his fellow wrestlers. One of his popular moves, a diving headbutt, was cited as one of the reasons for his deteriorating mental health that eventually resulted in his suicide.
6
Trish Stratus(One of the Most Popular Female Professional Wrestlers in WWE)
Birthdate: December 18, 1975
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Toronto, Canada
Canadian fitness model and former wrestler Trish Stratus is known for her stint with WWF (later renamed WWE). The Diva of the Decade and three-time WWE Babe of the Year has also been a WWE Hardcore Champion. She also became the first female to earn the Lou Thesz Award.
Birthdate: April 17, 1954
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Saskatoon, Canada
Died: July 31, 2015
Canadian professional wrestler, amateur boxer, and actor, Roddy Piper, is best remembered for his work with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). He headlined multiple PPV events and hosted the popular WWF interview segment Piper's Pit. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. He also appeared in a few films and TV shows.
8
Mario Lemieux(One of the Greatest Ice Hockey Players of All Time)
Birthdate: October 5, 1965
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Montreal, Canada
Canadian former professional ice hockey player Mario Lemieux spent his entire career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, playing parts of 17 National Hockey League (NHL) seasons. A gifted playmaker and fast skater, he is considered to be one of the best players of all time. With a 0.754 career goals-per-game average, he ranks second in NHL history, behind only Mike Bossy.
9
Edge(One of The Greatest Professional Wrestlers of All Time)
Birthdate: October 30, 1973
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Orangeville, Canada
Canadian wrestler Edge is a seven-time World Heavyweight champion. He competed in the 2020 Royal Rumble match after a 9-year hiatus due to neck injuries. He has appeared as Dwight Hendrickson in Haven and as Ketill Flatnose in Vikings. He was also part of the film Highlander: Endgame.
10
Tim Horton
(Canadian Professional Ice Hockey Defenceman)
Birthdate: January 12, 1930
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Cochrane, Ontario, Canada
Died: February 21, 1974
11
Ben Johnson(Canadian Sprinter Who was the World's 'Fastest Man' During the 1987-88 Season)
Birthdate: December 30, 1961
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Falmouth, Jamaica
Ben Johnson is a Canadian retired sprinter who was adjudged the world's fastest man during the 1987–88 season after he broke the 60m and 100m indoor world records. He is best known for his performance in the 1984 Olympic Games, where he won two bronze medals. Ben Johnson also won a gold medal at the 1985 World Indoor Championships.
Birthdate: April 29, 1988
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Winnipeg, Canada
Chicago Blackhawks captain and three-time Stanley Cup-winning ice-hockey player Jonathan Toews became the second-youngest NHL captain ever, at 20. Known as Captain Serious, he is not the one to be found in the middle of any controversy. He was named to the 100 Greatest NHL Players list in 2017.
13
Martin Brodeur
(Canadian-American Former Professional Ice Hockey Goaltender)
Birthdate: May 6, 1972
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
14
Brett Hull
(Canadian–American Former Ice Hockey Player and General Manager)
Birthdate: August 9, 1964
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Belleville, Ontario, Canada
15
Andrew Wiggins(Canadian Professional Basketball Player Who Plays as a 'Small Forward')
Birthdate: February 23, 1995
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Thornhill, Canada
Canadian basketball player Andrew Wiggins was initially drafted by the NBA team Cleveland Cavaliers and then traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves. He won the NBA Rookie of the Year playing with the Timberwolves. He was also named Mr. Basketball USA and the Gatorade National Player of the Year in 2013.
16
Bobby Hull
(One of the Greatest Ice Hockey Players of All Time)
Birthdate: January 3, 1939
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Point Anne, Belleville, Canada
Died: January 20, 2023
17
Sidney Crosby(One of the Greatest Ice Hockey Players of All Time)
Birthdate: August 7, 1987
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Canadian professional ice hockey player Sidney Crosby is the captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL). Widely regarded as one of the greatest hockey players of all time, he made his professional debut in 2005. Immediately rising to stardom, he has continued to impress the audience with his powerful gameplay.
18
Tristan Thompson(Canadian-American Professional Basketball Player Who Plays as a Power Forward / Center)
Birthdate: March 13, 1991
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Brampton, Canada
Boston Celtics center/power forward Tristan Thompson, known for his rebounding skills, was initially drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers and won the 2016 NBA Championship with them. He has also played for Canada’s national basketball team. Thompson has been in the news for his relationship and messy break-up with Khloé Kardashian.
19
Rick Fox
(Actor and Former Basketball Player Who Played at the 'Small Forward' Position)
Birthdate: July 24, 1969
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario
Rick Fox is a Canadian-Bahamian actor, businessman, former basketball player, and e-sports franchise owner. He is best known for representing the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association (NBA). After retiring from the sport, Rick Fox went on to establish himself as a media personality, appearing in TV shows like Dancing with the Stars.
Birthdate: May 13, 1989
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Toronto, Canada
P.K. Subban is a Canadian ice hockey player who currently plays as a defenceman for the NHL's New Jersey Devils. In 2013, Subban was adjudged the NHL's top defenceman and was honored with the Norris Trophy. Also known for his philanthropic efforts, Subban promised in 2015 that he would help raise $10 million by 2022 for the Montreal Children's Hospital.
Birthdate: May 7, 1965
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Calgary, Canada
Died: May 23, 1999
Owen Hart, also known as “The Golden Nugget” and “Blue Blazer,” was part of the Hart wrestling family. He had won several titles, such as the WWF Intercontinental Championship and the WWF World Tag Team Championship. He died in an equipment malfunction accident at the 1999 WWF Over the Edge.
Birthdate: July 12, 1984
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Laval, Canada
Canadian wrestler Rami Sebei, better known as Sami Zayn, is associated with the WWE brand SmackDown and for his signature masked look. He was previously known for his catchphrase “Ole!” and used the pseudonym El Generico. While with Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, he earned two solo world titles.
23
Maurice Richard
(Canadian Professional Ice Hockey Player)
Birthdate: August 4, 1921
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Died: May 27, 2000
Birthdate: October 10, 1863
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Saint-Cyprien-de-Napierville, Canada
Died: November 10, 1912
Birthdate: November 6, 1861
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Almonte, Mississippi Mills, Canada
Died: November 28, 1939
Canadian-American physician and coach James Naismith is considered as the inventor of basketball. He authored the first basksetball rule book and established the University of Kansas basketball team. He served as the Kansas Jayhawks athletic director and coach, and trained legends such as Adolph Rupp and Dean Smith.
26
Angela Lee
(American-Canadian Mixed Martial Artist)
Birthdate: July 8, 1996
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Vancouver, Canada
27
Guy Lafleur
(Canadian Professional Ice Hockey Right Winger)
Birthdate: September 20, 1951
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Thurso, Quebec, Canada
Died: April 22, 2022
Birthdate: February 20, 1977
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Birthdate: May 7, 1984
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Canada
Kevin Steen, popularly known by his ring name Kevin Owens, is a Canadian professional wrestler. One of the most popular WWE superstars of his generation, Steen has won several WWE championship titles, such as the Universal Championship, the Intercontinental Championship, and the United States Championship. In 2017, he was ranked third in the PWI 500 list.
30
Joe Sakic
(Canadian Professional Ice Hockey Executive and Former Player)
Birthdate: July 7, 1969
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Burnaby, Canada
31
Chris Pronger
(Canadian Former Professional Ice Hockey Defenceman and a Former Advisor to the Florida Panthers)
Birthdate: October 10, 1974
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Dryden, Ontario, Canada
32
Stan Mikita
(Canadian Ice Hockey Centre)
Birthdate: May 20, 1940
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Sokolče, Vlachy, Slovakia
Died: August 7, 2018
Birthdate: July 2, 1979
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: London, Canada
Canadian–American–Swiss ice-hockey player Joe Thornton, or “Jumbo Joe,” currently plays for the NHL team Toronto Maple Leafs. He previously played for the San Jose Sharks and the Boston Bruins. He is one of 13 players with 1,000 NHL assists and also won an Olympic gold for Canada.
34
Nate Burleson
(Football Commentator)
Birthdate: August 19, 1981
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Calgary, Canada
35
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
(Baseball third baseman)
Birthdate: March 16, 1999
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
36
Duncan Keith
(Canadian Former Professional Ice Hockey Defenceman)
Birthdate: July 16, 1983
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
37
Gordie Howe
(Canadian Professional Ice Hockey Player)
Birthdate: March 31, 1928
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Floral, Saskatchewan, Canada
Died: June 10, 2016
38
Hayley Wickenheiser
(Canadian Former Ice Hockey Player and Four-Time Olympic Gold Medalist)
Birthdate: August 12, 1978
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Shaunavon, Canada
39
Luc Robitaille
(Canadian–American Professional Ice Hockey Executive and Former Player)
Birthdate: February 17, 1966
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
40
Ferguson Jenkins
(Baseball pitcher)
Birthdate: December 13, 1942
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Chatham-Kent, Canada
Canadian baseball player and coach Ferguson Jenkins has played for MLB teams such as the Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Red Sox. He also excelled in basketball and hockey and was part of the Canadian amateur hockey league. He also became the first Canadian to be name to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
41
Lennox Lewis(British-Canadian Former Professional Boxer and Three-Time World Heavyweight Champion)
Birthdate: September 2, 1965
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: West Ham, London, England
Three-time world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis also won the super heavyweight gold for Canada at the Seoul Olympics in 1988. He has won numerous accolades, including the CBE and the BBC Sports Personality of the Year. He has been named as the sixth-best heavyweight boxer of all time by BoxRec.
42
Anthony Bennett
(Canadian Professional Basketball Player Who Plays as the Power Forward)
Birthdate: March 14, 1993
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Toronto, Canada
Anthony Bennett is a Canadian basketball player who has represented several NBA teams like Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Toronto Raptors. Bennett is also one of the most prominent members of the Canadian national team. He is currently playing for the Hapoel Jerusalem Basketball Club in the Israeli Basketball Premier League (IBSL).
43
Grant Fuhr
(Canadian Former Ice Hockey Goaltender)
Birthdate: September 28, 1962
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Spruce Grove, Alberta, Canada
Birthdate: January 18, 1950
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Canada
Died: May 8, 1982
Canadian race-car driver Gilles Villeneuve is remembered for his 6-year stint with Grand Prix, racing with Ferrari. He won six races but died in a violent collision with Jochen Mass’s car during a qualifying race for the 1982 Belgian Grand Prix. His son, Jacques, later became a F1 champion.
45
Daniel Negreanu
(Poker player who won four World Series of Poker bracelets.)
Birthdate: July 26, 1974
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Toronto, Canada
Birthdate: November 3, 1908
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Rainy River, Canada
Died: January 7, 1990
47
Jacques Plante
(Canadian Professional Ice Hockey Goaltender)
Birthdate: January 17, 1929
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel, Quebec, Canada
Died: February 27, 1986
48
Henri Richard
(Canadian Professional Ice Hockey Player Who Played Centre)
Birthdate: February 29, 1936
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Died: March 6, 2020
49
Tom Longboat
(Onondaga Athlete Who Specialized in Distance Running)
Birthdate: July 4, 1886
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Six Nations Reserve Brantford, Ontario, Canada
Died: January 9, 1949
Tom Longboat was an Onondaga athlete who specialized in distance running. Nicknamed the bulldog of Britannia, Longboat also served in the Canadian Expeditionary Force as a soldier during the First World War. In 1996, Tom Longboat was honored posthumously with an induction into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame.
50
Connor McDavid(Canadian Professional Ice Hockey Player Who Plays as a Centre)
Birthdate: January 13, 1997
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Richmond Hill, Canada
Canadian ice hockey player Connor McDavid currently serves as the captain of the NHL team Edmonton Oilers. The two-time Art Ross Trophy-winning player became the youngest NHL captain and has won the gold at the 2016 Ice Hockey World Championships, the 2015 Junior Championships, and the 2013 U-18 Championships.