Two from Garden River First Nation to be inducted into national sports hall of fame

Ted Nolan grew up playing minor hockey in Sault Ste. Marie and played with the Greyhounds from 1976 to 1978.

Former NHL coach Ted Nolan and Darren Zack, a gold-medal winning softball pitcher, will be inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame at a ceremony this fall.

Both members of Garden River First Nation will join other sports luminaries in the hall at an Oct. 29 event.

“(They) will receive the Order of Sport — Canada’s highest sporting honour — marking their induction into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame,” the hall said in a news release.

“Representing the very best of what sport can embody — excellence, leadership, and a lasting impact on communities across the country — the Class of 2025 have used their platforms to uplift others, champion inclusion, and inspire the next generation.”

Nolan grew up playing minor hockey in Sault Ste. Marie and played with the Greyhounds from 1976 to 1978.

Drafted by Detroit

He was drafted in 1978 by the Detroit Red Wings and appeared in 78 NHL games before a back injury cut his career short. He became a coach and led the Greyhounds to three straight Memorial Cup appearances before winning it in 1993.

“The next year, Ted moved on to the professional ranks as an assistant coach of the NHL’s Hartford Whalers,” the hall of fame said in its writeup on Nolan.

“In 1995, he was named the head coach of the Buffalo Sabres and in just two short years, took his team to first place in the Northeast Division and was named NHL Coach of the Year.”

He returned to the NHL to coach the New York Islanders and in 2013 he made his second appearance coaching the Buffalo Sabres. Noland also led the Latvian Men’s National Ice Hockey Team to the 2014 Sochi Olympic Games, almost upsetting Team Canada in the quarter-finals.

In 2023, he released his bestselling book, ‘Life in Two Worlds: A Coach’s Journey from the Reserve to the NHL.’ He and his wife of 45 years, Sandra, are grandparents to Hunter, Ryder, Sadie, Quinn, and Harper.

For his part, the hall described “Zack (as) a legendary Ojibwe pitcher who dominated the softball diamond in the 1990s.”

“Growing up on the Garden River First Nation, Darren mainly played softball and hockey with his numerous uncles and cousins. Everyone on the team was part of a large extended family, and this nurturing family-oriented style was how he continued to see his teammates throughout his career.”

His pitches included “the overpowering rise ball, the mystifying drop ball, the elusive screwball and the tantalizing curve ball.

“To further disarm batters, he threw each of these pitches with changes of speed and locations,” the hall said.

“These changeups left batters the world over shaking their heads in bewilderment.”

He rose quickly in the softball ranks and joined the Canadian national team in 1991.

“His stint wearing the maple leaf included a gold medal at the International Softball Federation World Championships in 1992, and two silver medals in 1996 and 2004,” the hall said.

“He also won a remarkable three consecutive Pan American Games Gold Medals with Canada: 1991 in Havana, 1995 in Argentina, and 1999 in Winnipeg.”

No runs allowed in 10 games

At the 1995 International Softball Congress World Championships, Zack didn’t allow a run in 10 consecutive games, recording 150 strikeouts in the process.

He won the most outstanding pitcher award in 1992, 1993, 1995, and 2000.

“A lifelong resident of the Garden River First Nation, Darren has been actively involved in his community, focusing on youth mentorship, promoting healthy lifestyles, and encouraging participation in sports,” the hall said.

“His work with organizations dedicated to Indigenous youth has been pivotal in creating opportunities and fostering a sense of pride and identity among young athletes.”

A full list of all the athletes entering the hall Oct. 29 can be found here.