Canada’s Best Bridge Players

For a number of years I have been thinking about the idea of something like a Canadian Bridge Hall of Fame.  At New Years I was reminded of this idea when I was talking to Professor Silver about who are Canada’s bridge heroes past and present.  We both agreed that Eric Murray and Sami Kehela would be included and that being given who else should be added.  I thought I would see if any of you had nominees.  Dave suggested that there would be an age divide since younger players would not remember greats like Shorty Sheardown and certainly that may be true but I think enough of us still know these players that they would be included.  Here are some categories:

Top Players of the past: This is a category for players like Shorty who are no longer alive but who were great in their day and should no longer be forgotten.

Long-time Great Players:  This is the category for players who are at least 55 years old and have made a great track record.  They may no longer be playing serious bridge.  This is the category that Eric and Sami belong to.

Builders: People (alive or dead) who are recognized for a long-term significant contribution to the game but not specifically as a player.  Kate Buckman is one who comes to mind.  I might also nominate Barbara Seagram, David Lindop, Ted Horning and the world’s top bridge coach Eric Kokish.  People who are or were teachers, writers, bridge theorist etc.

Current Great: This is for players who are in the top ranks of bridge today.  They need not be 55 but they should have at least a 10 year track record of high level performance.  They can even be players who have defected to the United States or elsewhere in search of better earnings.  Geoff Hampson and Fred Gitelman seem like two possibilities.  But there are a lot more.

Great Women Players: Women with a strong track record as a players.  They may be current players or past players of any age.  I can think of quite a few people for this category.  However I would like to nominate my teammate and past partner Francine Cimon.  Francine in my opinion is currently the best women bridge player in Canada.  She has played internationally for Canada many times and won if I remember correctly 5 medals.

Please let me know your choices and if you like you can even add a category.