Longtime hockey broadcaster Scott Oake was recognized at a national level on Wednesday.
Oake was among 88 recipients of the Order of Canada, which highlights those who have made lasting impacts on their communities.
“Members of the Order of Canada are builders of hope for a better future. Each in their own way, they broaden the realm of possibilities and inspire others to continue pushing its boundaries,” Gov. Gen. Mary Simon said in a statement.
Oake, who was born in Sydney, N.S., has appeared on national hockey broadcasts since 1989, when he was hired by Hockey Night in Canada. He currently serves as host of Sportsnet’s After Hours on Saturday nights.
Outside of the rink, Oake co-founded the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre in Winnipeg, which serves as an addiction treatment facility.
Other appointees to the Order of Canada included actor and Wrexham AFC owner Ryan Reynolds, football player-turned-doctor Laurent Duvernay-Tardif and curling superstar Kevin Martin.
Canadian Olympic Committee president Tricia Smith was promoted from member to officer of the Order of Canada, while former Montreal Canadiens president Pierre Boivin was promoted to companion.
Smith said she was “honoured” by the promotion.
“I am so fortunate to have had sport in my life and then to be able to volunteer to help share that experience. Sport can teach, inspire and bring us together like nothing else. I am proud to share this honour with my colleagues and all those who have been a part of my journey in sport,” she said in a statement released by the COC.
Martin said he doesn’t know who nominated him for the award but called it a surprise and an honour.
Martin, whose resume includes a world championship in 2008, a silver medal at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games and four gold medals at the Brier, also holds the record for Grand Slam titles with 17.
Rideau Hall credits Martin with helping to guide the sport’s competitive development, and contributing to the sport as a broadcaster, speaker, business person and teacher.
“You try your best at whatever it is you’re doing to grow whatever part of society you tend to to live in, and do your best,” he said.
“And if something like this happens, that’s fantastic. But it’s unexpected.”
New members of the order are invited to a ceremony to receive their insignia. A statement from Rideau Hall says ceremonies will be announced “in due course.”
–with files from The Canadian Press
