September 22, 2012

Publication title: NewsWire.ca, vol. -, Iss. -, pg. –
Place: Toronto
Writer: Unknown

Canada’s Walk of Fame red carpet shines with stars, including Randy Bachman, Sarah McLachlan and the 1972 Team Canada Hockey Team

Canadians are known to shine at hockey, comedy and rock ‘n’ roll – – and Canada’s Walk of Fame’s star-studded red carpet, in partnership with national premier partner, RBC, proved it.

Our greatest hockey team and one of our most legendary rockers headlined the talent-laden procession along with Canada’s Walk of Fame Awards host, musician, funnyman and 2006 inductee, Paul Shaffer.

This year’s inductees, and a parade of special guests, navigated the 450-foot long red carpet along Yonge Street, between Shuter and Dundas Square Lane.

When the limo doors opened, some of the country’s most-recognized faces emerged, including rock icon Randy Bachman, and his fellow 2012 inductee, celebrated singer-songwriter and eight-time JUNO Award-winner Sarah McLachlan.

Canada’s greatest hockey team of all time also hit the streets, as members of Team Canada 1972 waded through the cheering crowd. Honoured with an induction on the 40th anniversary of their victory over the Soviets, the team was represented by hockey greats such as Frank Mahovlich, Brad Park, Wayne Cashman, Ken Dryden and Paul Henderson, the famed scorer of the series-winning goal.

But they weren’t the only sporting legends recognized. Inductee Russ Jackson, one of the best quarterbacks in CFL history, was in the spotlight along with his award presenter, former Argo great, Michael (Pinball) Clemens.

Inductee Sonia Rodriguez, Principal Dancer from The National Ballet of Canada, also made her way down the red carpet with her husband, distinguished figure skater, Kurt Browning.

Other famous faces on the red carpet, and at the awards presentation, were JUNO and Grammy Award-winning R&B artist Melanie Fiona, 2012 recipient of the Allan Slaight Award, and guest stars such as two-time JUNO Award-winner and eight-time 2012 Canadian Country Music Award nominee Johnny Reid, actress Jill Hennessy and internationally renowned Canadian ballet legend and CWOF inductee Veronica Tennant.

Paul Hartmann represented his brother, famed Saturday Night Live impersonator, Phil Hartman, the posthumous recipient of this year’s Cineplex Legends Award.

Fans who lined the streets early to get a glimpse of this year’s distinguished Canadians, enjoyed a live outdoor performance by Crystal Shawanda.