Canadian · Scarborough, Canada · Born 18 May 1970Vicky Sunohara was a pioneering Canadian forward often called 'the Wayne Gretzky of women's hockey,' winning Olympic gold in 2002 and 2006 with Team Canada.
Vicki Sunohara was born on 18 May 1970 in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, and developed into one of the most influential pioneers in the history of Canadian women's hockey, playing collegiately at Northeastern University before a lengthy career with the Toronto Red Wings and Brampton Thunder. Sunohara won three Olympic medals with Canada's national team, and has been described as "the Wayne Gretzky of women's hockey" for her sustained excellence and influence on the sport's development in Canada. Sunohara was named to TSN Hockey's All-Time Women's Team Canada in 2020, in recognition of her standing as one of the finest players the country has ever produced across a playing career spanning nearly two decades, from 1990 to 2009. Sunohara transitioned into coaching following her retirement, continuing to contribute to the sport's growth in Canada and remaining widely regarded as one of the most important trailblazers in establishing women's hockey as a legitimate high-performance pursuit.
Pioneer of Canadian women's hockey, multiple Olympic and World Championship gold medals
How They Played
Sunohara was known as a skilled forward with excellent hockey sense and leadership qualities on the ice. She possessed strong offensive instincts and was particularly effective in clutch situations during international competition.
Lasting Impact
Sunohara helped pioneer and elevate women's hockey in Canada during a crucial period of growth for the sport internationally.
Career Honours
- 2x Olympic gold (2002, 2006)
- Olympic silver 1998
- 7x IIHF World Championship gold
- named to TSN All-Time Women's Team Canada
| Team | Period | GP |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto Aeros | 1998–2007 | — |
Canadian Athletes