John McBryde one of a kind in two countries
Published Wed 13 Sep 2023
Former Kookaburra John McBryde has entered rarified air after becoming an inductee into the Hall of Fame of two national hockey bodies.
McBryde, who represented Australia at the 1960 and 1964 Olympic Games (the latter as captain), was recently announced in the Field Hockey Canada Hall of Fame for “his extraordinary dedication to develop Canadian Field Hockey which has left an incredible mark on the sport”.
This recognition follows his induction into the Hockey Australia Hall of Fame in 2019. While there are no definitive records, it is unlikely anyone in world hockey is an inductee into two national Hall of Fames.
The Queenslander’s time, and eventual move to Canada came in 1966 when an intended six month visit to Vancouver saw him sign a one-year teaching contract at Langara College. He fell in love with the city and has been a Canadian resident ever since. The 169th player capped for Australia went on to fulfill various coaching roles at provincial and national level, before proving instrumental in other roles within Field Hockey Canada.
Chair of Hockey Australia’s Awards Committee and fellow HA Hall of Fame member, Richard Aggiss said the dual acknowledgment by two countries underlined McBryde’s legacy and impact.
“John’s dual recognition is not only a unique achievement but a wonderful recognition of his playing ability and decades of involvement in hockey across two countries,” said Aggiss.
“This is a remarkable accomplishment that epitomises not only what John has done and the regard he is held in, but his contagious love of the sport.”
Aside from his wonderful playing skills, McBryde, along with several prominent hockey people in Canada, was a driving force in the 1970’s. He convinced then International Hockey Federation President Renee Frank to play hockey at the 1976 Montreal Olympics on a synthetic hockey pitch, which was a revolutionary concept at the time.
Victor Warren, a fellow Field Hockey Canada Hall of Famer, says McBryde’s contributions speak volumes.
“What he’s done for Canadian Hockey speaks for itself, on the field, off the field, he’s just a first class quality person,” said Warren.
Field Hockey Canada fittingly sum up what McBryde has done for hockey not only in Canada, but also his homeland.
“John’s legacy is firmly established as a trailblazer, mentor, and true advocate for field hockey.”
