No one among the Vancouver Canucks was surprised Trevor Linden(notes) was named to the Order of Canada on Thursday, even if most of the non-Canadian players knew much about the honour.
"I read about it this morning," said Henrik Sedin(notes), the third Canucks captain since Linden last wore the C. "It's great for him. I think he exemplifies everything that you can ask for as a human being. He made everyone comfortable, made everyone feel important. I've only got great things to say about him."
Henrik and his twin brother Daniel, you may recall, didn't have things easy when they arrived as saviours who became the butt of barbs and insults for years when they didn't start their careers as, say, Steven Stamkos(notes) or Sidney Crosby(notes) did.
"When it comes to community service and being an athlete, I don't think you can get any bigger than that," Daniel Sedin(notes) said. "He's all about that.
"He was a great athlete, but I think we learned the most off the ice from him, what he did for the community. He was a great mentor for us."
Linden was named as a Member of the Order of Canada by Governor General David Johnston.
The award, one of three grades of the Order of Canada, is awarded for achieving outstanding merit or distinguishing service, the Member designation aimed at those who make an impact at the local or regional level.
It's the highest honour bestowed by the Queen's representative in Canada, the Honour of Merit being a step higher and a title bestowed personally by the Queen herself.
"He's been great for this city and for Canadian hockey, a well-respected guy and great community leader," said Kevin Bieksa(notes), who last saw Linden at the Markus Naslund(notes) ceremony on Dec. 11. "I wouldn't be surprised if this isn't the last award Trevor gets.
"He's still as respected as ever, even though he's been out of the game for awhile. He's back for Markus's ceremony and he gets a standing ovation, that shows you the kind of guy he is."
Alain Vigneault made Linden a healthy scratch several times over his final season, 2007-08, and the club didn't offer him a contract the following year.
Despite offers elsewhere, Linden retired.
"I'm real happy for him," Vigneault said. "I think it's an honour really well-deserved for somebody who has contributed not only to the game, but to society.
"He's done a great job here in B.C."
Entertainment Plaza - TV, Movies, Sports, Music
http://members.shaw.ca/almosthuman99
Babe Of The Month
http://members.shaw.ca/almosthuman99/babeofthemonth.html
Hunk Of The Month
http://members.shaw.ca/almosthuman99/babeofthemonthman.html
No comments:
Post a Comment