He is the kid from Spruce Grove who went on to become one of the best goaltenders in NHL history and a five-time Stanley Cup champion. He is Grant Fuhr, and the City of Spruce Grove is proud to honour him with an Award of Excellence in Athletics.

At age 15 Mr. Fuhr joined the WHL's Victoria Cougars, where he was twice a first-team all-star. In 1981, Mr. Fuhr became a first-round Edmonton Oilers draft choice, recording a 23-game unbeaten streak that first season. He was an amazing playoff player, with a 92-50 record in 150 games. He led the Oilers to Stanley Cup titles in 1984, ‘85, ‘87 and ‘88.

Mr. Fuhr says, "After watching the Oilers as a kid, I was extremely fortunate to join a very special group of hockey players on a team that had great success." Former team mates have said that they would not have been as successful without “Fuhrsy.” 

Mr. Fuhr went on to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Buffalo Sabres, St. Louis Blues and, finally, the Calgary Flames. He retired in 2001. 

This amazing goaltender won many awards and holds numerous records. His 14 points in 1983-1984 still stands as the single-season record for most points by a goaltender. He is proud to be the first black NHL superstar.

In 1987, Mr. Fuhr was named the NHL’s best goaltender and was runner-up to team mate Wayne Gretzky as most valuable player. In 1994, he was co-winner of the award for fewest goals allowed. With the Buffalo Sabres, he played an astonishing 79 games, 76 consecutively, records that still stand. In 1999, Mr. Fuhr joined a very elite club of goaltenders with 400 career wins.

In 2003 Mr. Fuhr was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. In 2003, the Oilers retired his Number 31, only the fourth Oiler to receive that honour. In 2004, the City of Spruce Grove renamed the arena where Grant got his start the Grant Fuhr Arena. 

Spruce Grove is honoured that Mr. Fuhr has represented the community so well to the world.