Henderson honoured for Summit goal

CALGARY — Forty years after his legendary goal inspired a generation, Paul Henderson is taking his place among Canada’s hockey elite.

Henderson, along with long-time coach Dave King and NHL Hall of Famer Mark Messier, were named to the Order of Hockey in Canada on Wednesday. The program annually honours a select number of individuals whose “role or service in the game is recognized as extraordinary” in this country.

The three join the star-studded inaugural class of 2012, inducted last spring. Honourees a year ago included Jean Béliveau, Cassie Campbell-Pascall, Wayne Gretzky, Gordie Howe and Gordon Renwick.

Henderson, 69, is best known for scoring the winning goal in Game 8 of the 1972 Summit Series to give Canada victory over the Soviet Union. The goal is still celebrated in Canadian hockey circles today and has become part of the nation’s identity.

“When I scored that goal, they interviewed me after the game and I specifically remember saying I’ve never been more proud to be Canadian at that minute,” Henderson said on a conference call.

Hockey Canada president Bob

“I’ve been battling cancer for three years … thank you for doing this while I’m alive.”

PAUL HENDERSON

Nicholson told Henderson the goal was a watershed moment for Canadian hockey.

“When you scored that goal, that changed a lot of dreams in this country and that was to put on the Canadian jersey,” Nicholson said. “Everyone still remembers where they were when you scored that goal. It has had such a huge impact on Canadians.”

Henderson recorded 477 points (236 goals, 241 assists) in 707 NHL games with Detroit, Toronto and Atlanta and had 283 points (140 goals, 143 assists) in 360 career WHA games with Toronto and Birmingham.

Henderson, who was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in 2009, said he’s pleased to be recognized for his efforts during his playing career.

“I’ve been battling cancer for three years and thank you for doing this while I’m still alive,” he said jokingly. “I’d have really been ticked if you had waited until after I died.”