What we’ll tell our grandkids

Canada was once the international community’s poster child for ice hockey (although that was tossed out the window during the World Juniors) however this years diversified successes helped cultivate an evolved athletic culture we now identify with. 2015 was an explosive year for Canadian sports however some moments mark it as particularly triumphant for our over friendly population. 

Connor McDavid was drafted first over all in the 2015 NHL draft to the Edmonton Oilers. The forward is a stunning presence on the the ice only rivalling the entrance into the pros to that of Crosby’s. The next most exciting day for Edmonton will probably be McDavid’s return to line post broken collar bone recovery. 

Canadian basketball’s great one retired: Steve Nash. There is no denying his unbelievable talent, with two MVP trophies to back up his 19 year career, however his greatest impact might be that which has served as a role model and mentor for Basketball Canada. Although we shed a tear as we saidgoodbye to Nash, we should be comforted knowing his legacy will live on in the form of Toronto native Andrew Wiggins. The Timberland forward was drafted first overall in 2014 (which has only been done by one other Canadian), has stats rivalling that of Kevin Durant and Lebron James and won NBA rookie of the year in 2015, the only Canadian to acquire such title. 

Finally, there is not a moment inside an arena that ignites a Canadian’s heart more than the Jose Bautista bat flip. Toronto does not possess a positive reputation in any societal branch among Canadians, however by late summer of 2015 the Blue Jays were our baby and like most moms on Facebook we were flooding our friends on social media with images to point out just how special our child was. It was a romantic tale from Kawasaki’s hilarious interviews, to Josh Donaldson winning the American League’s most valuable player award and late comebacks against the Texas Rangers. The only part missing was a spot in the World Series, but nonetheless the Jays run sent a surge of pride and optimism through the country, stamped with the hashtag “come together.” 

A new year is upon us and so is the chance to dominate an even wider range of sports. In 2016, we can look forward to a comeback from Genie Bouchard, further success from golfer Brooke Henderson on the LPGA and medals at the Rio Olympics from track stars like 800m Melissa Bishop and sprinter Andre De Grasse.