Alberta's John Weiland to be inducted into Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame

Alberta's John Weiland is headed to the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame.

On April 15, Canada Basketball announced its 2019 class, which includes Weiland (being inducted as an Official) Howard Kelsey (Player / Builder), Patricia Lawson (Player), Dianne Norman (Player), Joanne Sargent (Player) and Mike Smrek (Player).

“On behalf of everyone in the Canada Basketball community, I’d like to welcome each of this year’s inductees into the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame,” said Glen Grunwald, President & CEO of Canada Basketball.  “While Canada continues to experience unprecedented growth in basketball, it is important to recognize and celebrate all those that have come before and contributed so much to our great game in this country.  There is no better way to thank and congratulate these wonderful inductees for their service and accomplishments.”

Widely regarded as one of the best basketball officials in Canada, Weiland officiated at the international level for over twenty years, representing Canada at several international events, including FIBA EuroBasket 1985 and the 1988 Seoul Olympics.  He additionally refereed at the World Championships, Pan American Games and the CIS Championship 17 times.  

Over his career, Weiland was awarded the Canada Basketball J.A. Wilcox Award, the Air Canada Amateur Sports Official Award, and was honored by the Calgary Booster Club as a respected leader.  Weiland was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 2005 and in 2015 was the recipient of the Ted Earley Award.  He remains involved in basketball as a national referee coach where he continues to develop officials and the game.

"Being involved in the game of basketball for 60 years, as a player, a coach and a referee, I have enjoyed many incredible experiences," Weiland said. "Receiving the honour of being inducted into the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame as an official is definitely the high-lite of my basketball career.  I  am also very thankful to the people that made this nomination happen."

Since 1978, The Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame has honoured and celebrated those who have contributed to the development and enhancement of basketball both in Canada and internationally. Every other year, any person is eligible for election as an Honoured Member of the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame who has achieved an outstanding record of excellence in the following categories: athletes, teams, coaches, officials and builders. For further information visit http://basketball.ca/en/page/hall-of-fame.