SUMESH Putra, Paul Chohan and Dr. Harry Warren were the first of the inaugural Field Hockey Canada Hall of Fame members to be inducted in a ceremony Wednesday night in Vancouver.

The three honourees were joined by family, friends, current national athletes and Field Hockey Canada alumni to celebrate their successes, passion and dedication to the sport of field hockey in Canada.

Representing the late Dr. Harry Warren were both his daughter Charlotte and son Victor, who was a long-time member of the Canadian Men’s National Team.

According to a report by Field Hockey Canada, the event was emceed by Women’s National Team veteran and current active cap leader, Thea Culley. Also in attendance were Canadian Minister of Sport Bal Gosal, and B.C.’s Minister of Technology Andrew Wilkinson.

Former Vancouver Canucks General Manager Mike Gillis, who is also the father of current women’s national team captain Kate Gillis, hosted a hotstove panel featuring several of the guests including Chohan Putra, Gosal, current women’s national team alternate-captain Dani Hennig and head coach Ian Rutledge.

Also making an appearance at the event were several members of the 2014 silver medal-winning Canadian Youth Olympic Games Hockey 5s team, making the event a true celebration of the past, present and future of field hockey in Canada.

Each inductee was honoured with a special video highlighting their careers and contributions to field hockey.

The Field Hockey Canada Hall of Fame was made possible through support from the Canadian Olympic Committee and the Sport Canada.

Paul “Bubli” Chohan – Athlete

One of Canada’s most capped international field hockey players, with 317 caps, Paul “Bubli” Chohan was a staple in major international competition throughout his lengthy career. Paul competed in three Olympic Games (1976, 1984, and 1988), three World Cups (1976, 1986, 1990), and six Pan-American Games (1975, 1979, 1983, 1987, 1991, 1995). In these competitions, Paul was an essential part of a contingent that won two Pan-American gold and four silver medals, he also served as the Canadian flag bearer at the ’95 Pan-Am Games.

Sumesh Putra – Builder

A key to the growth and stability of field hockey in Canada, and a linchpin on the international scene, Sumesh Putra has enjoyed a distinguished career as an official in which he stood for over 100 international matches, including assignments in every major international field hockey tournament: at the Olympic Games, the World Cup, the Pan-American Games, the Commonwealth Games and the prestigious Champions Trophy.