A two-time Olympic gold medalist and seven-time world champion, known for dominating women's ice hockey in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Vicky Sunohara is widely regarded as one of the greatest female hockey players of all time, earning the nickname "the Wayne Gretzky of women's hockey." This Canadian hockey legend has won three Olympic medals and has been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, cementing her status as a trailblazer and pioneer for the sport.
Sunohara's love affair with hockey began at a tender age. Born on May 18, 1970, she started playing hockey on her backyard rink, built by her father, David Sunohara, a hockey enthusiast who played college ice hockey with the Ryerson Rams. She began organized hockey on a boys' team at age 5 but was eventually banned from the boys' leagues due to her gender.
Sunohara dominated every level of girls' competition, eventually earning a full athletic scholarship to Northeastern University in Boston. She played two seasons with the Northeastern Huskies women's ice hockey program in the ECAC Hockey conference of the NCAA Division I, leading the team in scoring in her freshman season as they claimed the 1989 ECAC Hockey conference championship title.
Sunohara's impressive career is marked by three Olympic medals: silver at the 1998 Nagano Olympics, gold at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, and bronze at the 2006 Torino Olympics. In 2020, she was named to TSN Hockey's All-Time Women's Team Canada, recognizing her as one of Canada's best female hockey players of all time.
After retiring from playing, Sunohara transitioned to coaching, becoming the head coach of the Varsity Blues women's ice hockey team of the University of Toronto. She has been nationally recognized as the U Sports Women's Ice Hockey Coach of the Year in 2019-2020 and 2021-2022, and was named the 2019-2020 Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Female Coach of the Year across all sports.
Sunohara's trailblazing career has paved the way for future generations of female hockey players. She has been vocal about promoting women's hockey and providing opportunities for girls to play the sport. Her relentless passion and dedication to the game have inspired countless young athletes to follow in her footsteps.
Sunohara's father, David Sunohara, played a significant role in introducing her to hockey and nurturing her passion for the sport. Her mother has been quoted as saying, "From the minute my father introduced me to hockey, I wouldn't do anything else."
Vicky Sunohara's remarkable career has contributed significantly to the growth and development of women's hockey. Her achievements have inspired a new generation of female athletes, promoted gender equality in sports, and paved the way for increased opportunities for women in hockey.
"My mother said that from the minute my father introduced me to hockey, I wouldn't do anything else. I just loved it."
Remembering Vicky Sunohara's incredible journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication, perseverance, and passion for the sport. As a trailblazer, coach, and Olympic champion, she continues to inspire and shape the future of women's hockey.
47 Years Old
A four-time Olympic gold medalist and seven-time world champion, considered one of the greatest female hockey players of all time, known for her exceptional on-ice vision and scoring ability.
47 Years Old
A four-time Olympic gold medalist and seven-time world champion, she is a highly decorated and accomplished player in women's ice hockey, now coaching and inspiring the next generation.
35 Years Old
A Canadian forward who has led the national women's ice hockey team to multiple Olympic gold medals and is known for her clutch performances in big games.
60 Years Old
A renowned Canadian ice hockey player and coach, known for winning two Olympic gold medals and being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
