University of Toronto’s women's ice hockey head coach Vicky Sunohara is one of nine new members to be inducted into the 2024 Canada Sports Hall of Fame this fall.
She received the Order of Sport at the induction ceremony held at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec, on October 23.
“Thank you so much for this incredible, humbling honour,” Sunohara said in her acceptance speech. “I am so proud to be a part of such an exceptional and diverse class of athletes, builders and trailblazers.”
From 1989 until she retired in 2008, Sunohara was a key member of Canada’s national women’s team, helping them win seven world championships, two gold medals and a silver at three Olympic Games.
After retiring from Team Canada, she got her Bachelor of Physical and Health Education degree from U of T and in 2011, she returned to the university as the first full time head coach of the women’s ice hockey team, winning two provincial championships, four coach of the year awards and a silver medal at the 2024 U Sports national championships with them.
“This recognition has given me a chance to slow down a little bit and reflect on my life and I can honestly say that I don’t know where I’d be without sport – hockey in particular,” said Sunohara. “It really does save lives.”
Reflecting on the role her parents played in her life, Sunohara shared she didn’t have much time with her dad, who died when she was only seven years old, but she was thankful for inheriting his passion for sport and his competitiveness.
“If I could, I would thank him for introducing me to sports and providing me the opportunity to play whatever I wanted,” she said.
After her father passed away, her mom was left to raise three kids at age 42.
“I know now as a parent how difficult that must have been, but she made sure I never missed a practice, game or tournament,” said Sunohara. “My mom was my biggest fan and she was always there for me.”
Sunohara also thanked the coaches and staff at Hockey Canada for having her on the women’s national hockey team for 19 years.
“Those were some of the best years of my life,” she said, adding that many of her teammates from those days remain her closest friends.
Sunohara has since dedicated herself to teaching the value of what being a good teammate means on and off the ice and describes her role as head coach to U of T’s women’s ice hockey team as a dream job.
Working with youth across the GTA, she has also served as assistant coach for her sons’ minor ice hockey team in the GTA Hockey League (GTHL) for five seasons, while also lending support to KidSport, Hockey4Youth and Youth Assisting Youth.
In 2019, she was named Honourary Lieutenant Colonel of the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada for her exemplary leadership. In 2023, she received the Sakura Award from the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre for her contributions to enhancing awareness of Japanese culture and heritage in Canada.
Congratulations, coach!