A Canadian hockey legend is being recognized for his contributions to the sport, both on and off the ice. Todd Nicholson of Ottawa is one of three new distinguished honourees named to the Order of Hockey in Canada. For Nicholson, it’s been a remarkable journey, including five Paralympic appearances and a gold medal at the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver as a member of Canada’s National Sledge Hockey Team. “It’s been an amazing ride. It’s probably the best thing that I can say,” said Nicholson. Last week, Nicholson, along with Melody Davidson and Hayley Wickenheiser, were named to the Order of Hockey in Canada as distinguished honourees for 2026. And he’s making history as the first Para-athlete to receive the honour. “It was a complete shock. I am the first Para-athlete to be inducted into the order, which again, is a recognition that Hockey Canada has really taken on the Para ice hockey team, along with the women’s program and the men’s program, and recognizing the importance of sport and all sport,” Nicholson said. Nicholson is now focusing on community building, hosting a sledge hockey tournament this Friday and also working with high schools to promote inclusive sports. “In our schools and our public schools, we work with the leadership teams at the high schools to try to create that awareness in terms of Para sport and inclusive sport. But also, finding that passion in something, music, arts, drama,” he said. And after some time away, Nicholson is back on the ice, something he says he’s happy to be doing again. “I recently got back out on the ice again; I had shoulder surgery last December that didn’t go so well. But I’m back out playing again and, yeah, I’m a lot slower.” Nicholson said. Nicholson will be officially inducted into the Order of Hockey in Canada during the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championship next month.
