OTTAWA, ON – On Tuesday, May 28th at Lansdowne Park’s Horticulture Building, the Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame is inducting five new members to our local sports shrine – Dr. Mark Aubry (Builder – Medical), Mike Bullard (Athlete – Hockey), James Duthie (Builder – Media), Lyndon Hooper (Athlete – Soccer) and Luke Richardson (Athlete – Hockey), while a pair of teams will be honoured for their milestone national championship victories – the 1974 Ottawa Sooners and 1999 Ottawa 67’s. Each Tuesday and Thursday until the event, the Sport Hall will post an article on an aspect of the event. Today’s article is on 2024 Inductee, Dr. Mark Aubry.

2024 SPORT HALL INDUCTEE – DR. MARK AUBRY:

When it comes to hockey and health, Dr. Mark Aubry is the one who lights the lamp.

Now among the world’s leading sports medicine voices, Aubry was a team MVP in the Central Junior Hockey League once upon a time, and he also played for the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees from 1974-1976.

He later served as the Gee-Gees’ team physician while earning his medical degree, and he established a family medicine office in Gatineau in 1981.

Aubry went on to become team doctor for the Ottawa Senators, Redblacks, Lynx and 67’s – including the 1999 Memorial Cup-champion team that is also being honoured during this year’s Ottawa Sport Hall celebrations.

Aubry’s involvement in sports extends from the grassroots level up to the biggest global stages. He’s been a trainer for minor hockey teams, and Chief Medical Officer for Canadian FISU and Winter Olympic Games teams.

Aubry was appointed as the Chief Medical Officer for the International Ice Hockey Federation in 1998 and Hockey Canada in 2004 – both positions he continues to hold.

The Rouyn-Noranda, QC-born, Ottawa-raised doctor is perhaps best recognized for his work to reduce spinal injuries and concussions. He helped implement measures such as the gradual introduction of body checking skills in minor hockey, mandatory concussion training for team trainers, and return-to-play protocols. Also among his projects are Hockey Canada’s Safety Program and Concussion Toolbox.

Aubry’s impact extends beyond hockey. He initiated symposiums to bring together international organizations such as FIFA, World Rugby and the IOC to develop a consensus on recognizing and managing concussions in sport.

“I really never had any thoughts of receiving such an honour, so it’s definitely a pleasant surprise,” Aubry said in an Ottawa Citizen feature by Ken Warren. “For me, (medicine) was a great opportunity to stay involved in sports.”

Aubry has received a number of accolades over his ever-growing career, including the IIHF’s Paul Loicq Award, USA Hockey’s Excellence in Safety Award, and the Dr. Tom Pashby Sports Safety Award. He now adds a major honour from his hometown of 50+ years.

“It’s really very special for myself and my family,” Aubry highlighted in a recent IIHF article on his upcoming induction. “We love the city of Ottawa. We’ve been here now for a long time, since I was the age of 13. We’ve made it our home, our community.”

MAY 28 OTTAWA SPORT HALL OF FAME INDUCTION EVENING

Tickets for the Tuesday, May 28th Induction Ceremony are available for purchase now!

In the lead-up to the banquet, full-length features on each of the inductees will be posted on the Hall’s website at OttawaSportHall.ca and shared through the Ottawa Sports Pages.

Event tickets are $125 per person or $1,200 for a table of 10, while premium tables go for $2,000 and additional sponsorship opportunities are available. See OttawaSportHall.ca for more details.

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Contacts:

Dave Best
Chair, Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame
613-799-9415
Chair@OttawaSportHall.ca

Terry Marcotte
Director, Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame
terrymarcotte1@gmail.com

About the Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame:

The Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization, which documents, curates and celebrates outstanding achievement in local sport heritage. The Sport Hall is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors to maintain and preserve our rich sporting legacies. Each year, the Hall of Fame Board receives nominations from the public and selects new inductees to be honoured in the Hall.