The Sports Wall of Fame features many historic Medicine Hat figures. Courtesy: City of Medicine Hat

By Eli J. Ridder

IN THE COMMUNITY

City of Medicine Hat to induct pair into 2024 Sports Wall of Fame

May 23, 2024 | 11:36 AM

The City of Medicine Hat is formalizing a pair of new inductees into its Sports Wall of Fame on Thursday.

Joseph Fisher, co-founder of the Medicine Hat Tigers, and Zorislav Krco, an esteemed Karate instructor, will be inducted at a ceremony taking place at 7 p.m. in the Big Marble Go Centre.

The ceremony will be streamed live to the city’s Facebook page and later posted to YouTube.

Fisher’s impact on hockey in Medicine Hat began with his playing career, as the first local to join the NHL with the Detroit Red Wings and a Stanley Cup win in 1943, according to a description released by the city.

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Transitioning to coaching and then to franchise ownership, he co-founded the Tigers in the Western Hockey League in 1970. Under his leadership, the Tigers became a powerhouse, nurturing NHL talents and winning back-to-back Memorial Cups.

Fisher’s legacy, marked by his role in establishing one of North America’s most respected hockey franchises, solidifies him as a significant figure in the sport’s history in Medicine Hat, the city said.

Zorislav’s distinguished journey in Karate spans 48 years, highlighted by attaining the eighth Dan rank, a testament to his dedication and mastery of the sport, the city said.

His contributions extend beyond his time as an athlete; as a Class A certified international instructor, he has left a lasting impact on students in Europe and Canada, many of whom have achieved success at various levels, including World Championships.

Having taught in Medicine Hat for more than 23 years, Zorislav has contributed significantly beyond his expertise in Karate; he has instilled a passion for the sport among countless students. His role has firmly established him as a key figure within the local Karate community, as the sport’s first inductee.

The Sports Wall of Fame is meant to recognize leaders in sport and honour individuals and team of the past and present as a way to inspire the future, according to the city’s director of parks and recreation James Will.

“Both Joseph and Zorislav have proven their outstanding commitment to their respective sports have made significant contributions to the sporting community in Medicine Hat,” Will said in a statement.

Nominations for the Sports Wall of Fame are accepted year-round with an annual cutoff date of Sept. 30.

For more information, visit MedicineHat.ca/walloffame.