Former Humboldt Broncos hockey player Ryan Straschnitzki has been nominated for the Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame People’s Choice Award.
The People’s Choice Award is new to 2019 and is meant to recognize potential future Hall of Famers who are champions of their sport and communities.
“It’s phenomenal. Like, we thought the hype had died down,” said Tom Straschnitzki, Ryan’s father.
“I guess everyone keeps remembering him.”
The now 20-year-old from Airdrie was paralyzed from the chest down when a bus carrying the junior hockey team collided with a semi-truck
Straschnitzki has been nominated for being a champion of para-sports and
The sports organization said on their website they believe performance is more than strength, speed
Ryan Straschnitzki up against big names in Canada’s sports world
Straschnitzki is up against some pretty big names in Canada’s sports world. Other nominees include Olympic sprinter Andre De Grasse, golf champion Brooke Henderson and Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid.
Tom Straschnitzki said he and Ryan joked about their chances when they found out who they were up against.
“After we all looked at the nominees, we kind of laughed and I went ‘huh top four, hey pal?’ He’s like ‘it’s just an honor to be mentioned,’ and I said, ‘you and that Connor McDavid should make a $10 bet,’” Tom said.
“But in all seriousness, there’s a lot of great nominees there and vote for whoever you feel should be in the top four. If you prefer Ryan then a huge thanks to you.”
The 64th Canadian Sports Hall of Fame Induction Festival is October 23rd in Toronto. People can choose four athletes for Canada Sports Hall of Fame People’s Choice Pick at peopleschoice.sportshall.ca.
Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame is located in Calgary.
