Olympic champion inducted into CW Hall of Fame

CALGARY - Kelly Bechard was a pioneer of women’s hockey at the University of Calgary. As a member of the Dinos inaugural team in 1997, Bechard put them on the map, quickly establishing her dominance in the league. She was voted a first-team Canada West all-star and All-Canadian as she helped the Dinos to a conference bronze.

“It's incredibly fitting to see Kelly being inducted into the Canada West Hall of Fame. Kelly's career is filled with incredible accomplishments because of how hard she worked to be one of the best forwards in the world. Every stage she played on she impacted her team, and this includes her time with the Dinos. The coaches and players that started our program took a leap of faith and without them, our game isn't where it sits today. Canada West is a premier division for women's hockey, and it is because of players like Kelly who validated the league very early on," said Carla MacLeod, Dinos Women’s Hockey Head Coach.

Bechard returned in 1999-2000, notching nine points in eight games. It was after this season she earned a spot on the senior national team, winning an Olympic gold medal in 2002 and four IIHF World Championship titles.

Bechard’s commitment to women’s hockey did not end there. Knowing and having what it takes to win at the highest level, Bechard returned to the University of Calgary, serving behind the bench when the team captured its first-ever national championship in 2012.

"We are incredibly proud of Kelly and thrilled she is receiving this much-earned recognition from Canada West. The consistency and professionalism she brought throughout her career with the Dinos is admirable. As a player, Kelly led the way on the ice. Her game was always reliable, and she was a fierce competitor that inspired her teammates to be their best. But for Kelly to give back to the program as a coach is invaluable. The success of our program is built upon the people before us and Kelly provided that connection. She brings a unique perspective that resonates with all our alumnae that have had the privilege of working with her. Kelly is a Dino at heart and our program has truly benefited from that,” MacLeod said.

Her impact on the University of Calgary and Dinos hockey cannot be understated.

ABOUT THE CANADA WEST HALL OF FAME

For the last century, organized university sport has been a central part of the student experience at institutions across Western Canada. Beginning with the University of Manitoba capturing the first Western Canadian Intercollegiate Athletic Union (WCIAU) men's hockey banner in 1919-20, student-athletes have been competing to reach their full potential in sport and the classroom, while enriching campus life. 

To commemorate 100 years of university sport across Western Canada, the Canada West Hall of Fame was created in the spring of 2019. This year's induction class will be unveiled throughout the summer of 2022.

VISIT: CanadaWestHallofFame.org