By Scott Roblin

Dubeau and Cunningham recommended for Sports Wall of Fame

Dec 12, 2017 | 2:19 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The Medicine Hat Sports Wall of Fame has been around for decades, yet it’s mostly men who have made the cut.

On Monday, the City’s Urban Environment and Recreation Advisory Board announced their picks for 2018, which included a pair of women.

The board proposed the inclusion of hockey player Jenna Cunningham and figure skater Gay Dubeau for the class of 2018.

Dubeau competed at the Canada Figure Skating Championship in 1973 and founded the Cypress School of Skating 15 years later.

Since then Dubeau has been named Alberta Figure Skating Coach of the Year twice, was recruited by Skate Canada to expand their CanPowerSkate Course, and continues to coach in Medicine Hat.

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As for Cunningham, she was the first Medicine Hat woman to suit up in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League with the Calgary Inferno.

Winning the Clarkson Cup with Calgary in 2016, Cunningham has since retired and has served as a CWHL broadcaster and a hockey coach for youth teams.

Board Chairman Simon Parker said it’s encouraging to see more women being recognized locally.

“If you look at the Sports Wall of Fame, I mean there is a male bias I suppose,” said Parker. “To have these two women very deserving, both strong candidates at the same time is outstanding.”

Last year, the City honoured Dr. Ken Sauer as the lone inductee to the Wall of Fame following a lengthy career involving his work in the local sports community.

Parker added sports is a vital part of Medicine Hat and it’s the City’s responsibility to recognize those who have gone above and beyond.

“We recognize that these people have contributed to our community,” he said. “[They] have lived and grown up here or still live here, and we want to honour them and put them on our own Wall of Fame.”

The recommendation of Dubeau and Cunningham will now be taken to Medicine Hat Council for debate, while the 2018 Wall of Fame ceremony will likely be held in late spring or early summer.