Courtesy Hockey Canada

By Lisa Parent

Long-time Medicine Hat resident inducted into Chatham Sports Hall of Fame

Sep 22, 2023 | 3:31 PM

CHATHAM, ONT – In Ontario, four new names were added to the Chatham Sports Hall of Fame. One of Medicine Hat’s long-time residents was on that list.

Derek Whitson was named this year’s Modern Athlete for his achievements in sledge hockey. His name will be up on a wall with other prominent sports figures, including MLB Cy Young Award pitcher Ferguson Jenkins.

Whitson started sledge hockey in 2000 in his hometown of Chatham, Ontario. Throughout his career, Whitson went to two paralympics with Team Canada, winning bronze in Sochi. He also holds a 2013 world gold medal to his name.

Since moving to Medicine Hat in 2014, Whitson has dedicated countless hours to the community as an organizer with Medicine Hat Adaptive Sports. However, his love for sledge hockey and its community started right in his hometown where he grew up.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

Dec 14, 2024

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

“It’s something I’ve always been proud to say, I’m from Chatham,” says Whitson. “And I know I don’t live there anymore, but I’m extremely grateful (for) the support they’ve given me throughout my career.

“Even to this day when I go home, I’m able to still be involved and give back, and it’s a pretty cool family itself there,” Whitson adds. “It’s a special connection and I’ll always be grateful for it.”

Whitson’s winter agenda includes coaching the Medicine Hat sledge-hockey program and assistant coaching for the women’s national team with Tara Chisholm.