Controversy surrounds Connor McDavid induction into Canada Walk of Fame
By Paul Taylor
Connor McDavid has been inducted into the Canada Walk of Fame, but there’s justification in asking why he went in ahead of another prominent hockey player?
Saturday was a special day for everyone connected with the Edmonton Oilers, as Connor McDavid was inducted into the Canada Walk of Fame. He was enshrined at a gala event during the evening in Toronto.
On a lot of levels, you can certainly understand why McDavid was inducted. After all, he has a resume which already includes accolades such as five Art Ross trophies, four Ted Lindsay awards and three Hart trophies.
Further, the 26-year-old meets the criteria to be inducted into the Canada Walk of Fame. This includes 10 years’ experience in their field with an established body of work and having an impact on Canadian culture on a national or international basis.
What about Sidney Crosby?
However, there are those who believe McDavid should not have been inducted, at least not yet. Especially when you consider who isn’t in the Canada Walk of Fame, i.e. Sidney Crosby.
That would be the same Sidney Crosby who has won three Stanley Cups compared to none for McDavid. The same Sidney Crosby who helped Canada dominate on the international stage, including winning two Olympic Golds and a World Championship.
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In fact, the nine-time All-Star is one of just 12 Canadians who are a member of the Triple Gold Club. This club is reserved for players and coaches who have won an Olympic Gold, World Championship and Stanley Cup. (He is also the only member of the club to captain all three championship teams.)
Nothing against Connor McDavid
Now to be clear, none of this is about criticising McDavid; he’s on another level when it comes to what he’s achieved to date. This is more about pointing the finger at the selection committee.
In what world are they living in, when they can see fit to induct the Oilers superstar ahead of Crosby? The Penguins’ own superstar has a longer body of work and more overall accolades; the committee should hang their heads in shame.
Some will make the counter-argument that those criticising McDavid’s induction, do not understand the criteria for being nominated and inducted. That he is undoubtedly the best player in the game today, as proven by all his individual achievements.
Again though, this is more about who isn’t in the Canada Walk of Fame yet. Surely even those with a bias towards McDavid, in a candid moment would admit that Crosby deserved to go in first.
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At the end of the day, Oilers and indeed hockey fans in general have every reason to celebrate McDavid’s induction into the Canada Walk of Fame. Just don’t try and make out he deserves it more than Crosby, or that there is justification whatsoever, in the 2005 first overall draft pick’s exclusion full stop.