Chris Wilson inducted in the Officials Category
In the Officials category of this year’s Hall of Fame, Field Hockey Canada is proud to induct Chris Wilson for his remarkable contributions to the sport. Wilson’s career as an international umpire spanned 15 years, during which he officiated 89 international matches, including three Pan American Games, two Commonwealth Games, and two Junior World Cups.
“It’s very nice but it’s extremely humbling to be included with fellow colleagues and umpires that I’ve known my whole umpiring career. Younger Chris definitely would not even have dreamed of being recognized from Field Hockey Canada and being nominated for the hall of fame,” said Wilson.
Wilson’s field hockey journey began in his hometown of Victoria, BC, where his early exposure to the sport came naturally. His parents were both involved in field hockey and ran the Rebels Field Hockey Club, with the clubhouse even situated in their childhood basement for over a decade. Growing up surrounded by the game, Wilson achieved significant success as a player, including winning a bronze medal at a U13 provincial tournament and a U15 trophy across the border.
At the age of 18, Wilson moved to Vancouver with hopes of making the BC team. However, his promising playing career faced a setback as he’d suffered a career-ending knee injury, abruptly ending his time on the field as a player. Despite this setback, Wilson’s passion for the sport endured as he chose to transition to umpiring at the age of 19, encouraged by his family and others in the field.
“Watching Chris come onto the field for the first time, you could see he had it. It was only a matter of cultivating his skillset from there,” said Alan Waterman, fellow FHC Official Hall of Famer.
Wilson’s determination and skill quickly became apparent, resulting in his first international appointment at the 1996 Junior Pan American Games in Barbados, just six years into his umpiring career. He continued to excel, receiving appointments to major tournaments such as the Junior World Cups, the Pan American Games, and the Commonwealth Games. His success was marked by a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to officiating.
“With Chris, his style was straightforward, no nonsense, no theatrics, no ego. Sometimes in officiating, you run the risk of having umpires try to make themselves the centre of attention, but Chris had no issue with ego, not with Chris,” said Waterman.
Wilson stepped away from international umpiring in 2011, he continued to contribute locally in Victoria as an umpire and mentor for others. In 2022, he made a highly anticipated return to the pitch as a player during the Masters Tournament.
Reflecting on his legacy, Wilson hopes to be remembered as someone who loved the game and was dedicated to guiding future umpires. “I should be remembered as someone that loved the game, loved umpiring, and wanted to help future umpires by demonstrating on and off the field how to be a good sportsperson and just love a game, whatever game it is,” said Wilson.
As Chris Wilson is inducted into the Field Hockey Canada Hall of Fame, his legacy as a dedicated and humble umpire is firmly established. His journey is a testament to the profound impact of passion and perseverance in the sport, inspiring all who aspire to leave their mark in field hockey.
