Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award facts for kids

The Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award is a special honor given each year to newspaper writers and reporters. These journalists are recognized for their amazing work covering the sport of ice hockey. The award celebrates those whose writing has brought great respect to both journalism and hockey.

The Hockey Hall of Fame created this award in 1984. It was named after Elmer Ferguson, a famous Canadian sports journalist from Montreal. A group of experts from the Professional Hockey Writers' Association chooses the winner each year.

The award is given at a special ceremony in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Each winner gets a cool glass plaque that is displayed at the Hockey Hall of Fame. It's important to know that even though media winners are honored, they are not considered full Hall of Fame members like the players.

Over 37 years, 62 people have won this award. The first 17 winners were honored in 1984. For a few years, at least two journalists won each year. There were no winners in 1992, 1994, 1996, and 2021.

Helene Elliott made history in 2005. She became the first woman to win the award. She was also the first woman honored in the media section of any of the "Big Four" sports Halls of Fame in North America. Sometimes, the award is given to someone after they have passed away. This has happened eight times. Journalists from Canada and the United States are the only ones who have won this award.

Award Winners

Red Burnett, a reporter for the Toronto Star, was one of the first 17 winners in 1984.

Red Fisher was honored in 1985.

Many talented journalists have received the Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award. They come from different newspapers and news organizations across Canada and the United States. These writers have helped fans understand and enjoy hockey even more through their stories.

Award Statistics

This table shows which newspapers have had the most award winners.

See also

• BBWAA Career Excellence Award
• Bill Nunn Memorial Award
• Curt Gowdy Media Award