Ben Sheardown

Hall of Fame

From the courts to the ice pads, Ben Sheardown is recognized for his contributions as an athlete and coach.

Born in Whitehorse, Ben spent his entire life in the territory with the exception to attend the University of Alaska in Fairbanks for his Bachelor of Education and then in Vancouver to obtain his Diploma in Counselling Psychology at UBC.

Revered as one of Yukon’s best athletes when he was young, Ben earned many awards throughout his storied career, starting with Rookie of the Year at age 10 (Midget Hockey). He played in and coached many Arctic Winter Games hockey teams, winning a gold medal in 1972, silver in 1974, ‘80 and ‘86, and a bronze in 1988. His biggest achievement at the AWG was in 1980 when he won a silver medal in hockey, then raced over and coached the junior basketball team to a silver medal.

Coaching basketball was Ben’s first love and he dedicated over three decades to Yukon’s youth. Coaching numerous basketball teams to the Yukon Championships, Ben played an intricate part in the development of basketball in the Yukon and was the first coach in any sport to utilize yearly training plans for his athletes. We will always remember Ben as a positive and multi-faceted pioneer in sport.