Alberta Sports Hall of Fame Welcomes Stellar 2026 Induction Class

The Alberta Sports Hall of Fame has once again opened its doors to a new generation of legends. The recently announced Class of 2026 is a powerful testament to the province’s rich and diverse athletic heritage, celebrating icons from the gridiron, the hockey rink, the basketball court, and beyond. This year’s inductees represent not just individual excellence but the very spirit of perseverance, community, and groundbreaking achievement that defines Alberta sports.

From household names whose careers inspired millions to dedicated builders whose work laid the foundation for success, the 2026 class is a mosaic of talent and dedication. Their stories are woven into the fabric of Alberta’s identity, and their formal induction ensures their legacies will inspire future generations for years to come.

Meet the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026

The selection committee has chosen a remarkable group of individuals and one iconic team, each leaving an indelible mark on their sport. Let’s delve into the achievements of these newest Hall of Famers.

Football Royalty: Jerome Messam and Greg Vavra

The Canadian Football League is deeply ingrained in Alberta’s sports culture, and two of its brightest stars are taking their rightful place in the Hall.

Jerome Messam stands as a true powerhouse in CFL history. The Brampton, Ontario native became an adopted Albertan hero during his dominant tenure with the Calgary Stampeders. Messam’s career is highlighted by a remarkable achievement: he is the only Canadian-born player in the modern era to win the CFL’s Most Outstanding Canadian award while rushing for over 1,000 yards in a season (2011). His physical, relentless running style made him a fan favorite and a key component of the Stampeders’ offensive jugalith for years.

Greg Vavra is a name synonymous with quarterback excellence at the University of Calgary. The Calgary-born signal-caller authored one of the most spectacular seasons in Canadian university sports history in 1983. That year, Vavra led the Dinos to a Vanier Cup national championship, was named the Hec Crighton Trophy winner as the nation’s top player, and was honored as the Canadian Male Athlete of the Year (Lionel Conacher Award). His precision passing and leadership set a standard for quarterbacks across the country and cemented his legacy as a U Sports legend.

Hockey Heroes: Danielle Goyette and Dr. Randy Gregg

Alberta’s passion for hockey is reflected in two inductees whose contributions span the women’s and men’s games, as well as the clinic.

Danielle Goyette is an absolute pioneer in women’s hockey. A key member of the legendary Canadian national team, Goyette’s trophy case is overflowing:

Beyond her on-ice prowess as a gifted scorer, Goyette has been a monumental builder for the game. She served as the first head coach of the University of Calgary Dinos women’s hockey team, building the program from the ground up, and later contributed to Hockey Canada’s development system, shaping the next wave of talent.

Dr. Randy Gregg uniquely embodies the term “student of the game.” While maintaining a successful career as a physician, Gregg achieved the pinnacle of professional hockey. He won an incredible five Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers during their 1980s dynasty, playing a steady, intelligent defensive role alongside legends like Gretzky and Messier. His ability to balance the demanding rigors of medical school and residency with a championship NHL career is a feat of intellect and dedication rarely seen in professional sports.

Basketball Brilliance: Karl Tilleman

Karl Tilleman rewrote the record books for Canadian basketball. The Calgary sharpshooter became a superstar at the University of Calgary, where he was a two-time CIAU (now U Sports) Player of the Year. His scoring ability was otherworldly; he still holds the CIAU single-game scoring record of 74 points. Tilleman represented Canada with distinction in the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games. Perhaps his most enduring legacy is his status as one of the greatest three-point shooters in the history of the sport, a skill he showcased globally long before it became the focal point of modern basketball.

Paralympic Power: Jessica Tuomela (Visser) & Guide Benoit St-Amand

The incredible para-athlete Jessica Tuomela (Visser) and her guide, Benoit St-Amand, are being inducted for their groundbreaking achievements in Para triathlon. Visually impaired since birth, Tuomela first made her mark as a Paralympic swimmer, winning medals in Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004. She then embarked on a second elite career in Para triathlon. With St-Amand as her guide, the duo achieved phenomenal success, culminating in winning the silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Their induction highlights the extraordinary partnership, trust, and athleticism required in guide sports.

Builders and Media: The Foundation of Sport

Behind every great athlete are individuals who create the opportunities for greatness. The 2026 class honors two such pillars.

Michele (O’Keefe) Bridger is recognized for her transformative leadership in amateur sport. As the long-time Executive Director of Alberta Golf, she dramatically increased participation, especially among youth and women, and oversaw significant enhancements to the province’s golf infrastructure. Her work ensured the sport’s growth and accessibility for all Albertans.

In the media sphere, John Short is a legendary figure. For decades, his insightful columns in the Edmonton Journal and Sun chronicled the city’s sporting life. He was a trusted voice who told the stories of athletes, coaches, and teams with depth and integrity, becoming an essential part of the sports community he covered.

A Team for the Ages: The 1994-95 Calgary Flames

Rounding out the class is a team that captured the hearts of a province during a challenging economic time. The 1994-95 Calgary Flames, led by the heroic goaltending of Mike Vernon and the leadership of captain Joe Nieuwendyk, embarked on an unforgettable underdog run. Despite finishing the regular season with a modest record, they caught fire in the playoffs, ultimately battling their way to the Stanley Cup Final. Though they fell short, their grit, determination, and community spirit during “The Young Guns” era created lasting memories and demonstrated the powerful connection between a team and its city.

A Lasting Legacy for Alberta

The Alberta Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026 is more than a list of accomplishments; it is a celebration of character, resilience, and impact. From Jerome Messam’s powerful runs and Danielle Goyette’s pioneering goals to Greg Vavra’s pinpoint passes and Jessica Tuomela’s Paralympic perseverance, these inductees represent the best of what sports can be.

They have thrilled us in stadiums and arenas, inspired us with their dedication, and built the pathways for others to follow. Their formal enshrinement in Red Deer ensures that their stories—of triumph, partnership, and sheer will—will continue to motivate young athletes across Alberta and Canada. We congratulate each inductee on this well-deserved honor and thank them for their incredible contributions to the sporting tapestry of our province.