Why Faithfulness Trumps Fame with Paul Henderson
Season 1 | Episode 4: Almost everyone wants to be famous. Cathie’s guest on Episode 3 of The Strong Way Podcast had fame as a hockey player and legend – but found it to be lacking.
In this rare and candid conversation with hockey legend, Paul Henderson, Cathie explores Paul’s rise to fame and his turn to faith – and Paul’s life and leadership lessons learned in both spheres. Surprised by a cancer diagnosis, Paul shares how physical suffering has made him stronger, not weaker. Paul’s winning goal in the last game of the Canada-Russia Hockey series in 1972 was declared the greatest sports moment in the last century and Team Canada ‘72 was voted the Team of the Century. Paul offers wisdom learned from the game of life professionally, personally and spiritually.
This conversation is a game-changer.
Paul Henderson was born on a sleigh in the middle of a snowstorm near Kincardine, Ontario. He is married to Eleanor, his high school sweetheart, and they have three married daughters, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Paul began his hockey career in Lucknow, Ontario, progressing to Junior “A” with the Hamilton Red Wings. After winning the Memorial Cup in 1962 he moved to the NHL. Paul played 18 years of professional hockey with the Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Atlanta Flames including 5 years in the World Hockey Association. As a professional, he scored 376 goals and added 384 assists.
History will remember Paul for the first Canada-Russia Hockey series in 1972 when Canada needed a victory in each of the last 3 games to win the series. Incredibly, Paul scored the winning goal in each of the 3 games. The goal in the last game was declared the greatest sports moment in the last century and Team Canada ‘72 was voted the Team of the Century.
Paul is a member of several Sports Halls of Fame including Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame. He has recently been honoured with the following awards: Order of Canada, Diamond Jubilee Medal (also a recipient of the Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002) Order of Hockey in Canada, Ontario Sports Hall of Fame Heritage Award, Canada’s Walk of Fame, IIHF Hockey Hall of Fame – induction May 2013 in Stockholm, Mississauga’s Legends Row – induction September 2013, Order of Ontario 2014, Conn Smythe Award for charity work.
He has co-authored several books, the most recent being, “How Hockey Explains Canada” and his autobiography, “The Goal of my Life” which was released on September 11, 2012.
As a motivational speaker, he has addressed many of Canada’s major corporations. Paul and his wife Eleanor speak at marriage conferences and he speaks widely in the Christian community. Paul is active in the community, being involved with such organizations as Muskoka Woods Sports Camp, Teen Ranch and an ambassador for Smilezone.
Paul currently works with Leader Impact group where he has been developing men for leadership since 1984. He holds two Honorary Doctor of Divinity degrees.
Paul is an avid reader, loves golf and tennis.
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