Class of 1992: Coach
A national skating champion in her native Holland, Ellen emigrated to Canada in the 1950’s and joined the Toronto Cricket, Skating and Curling Club. She went on to become one of Canada’s most respected coaches and choreographers taking skaters to numerous World, Olympic, International and Canadian competitions for over five decades. Among the many skaters who benefited from her exceptional coaching style were Petra Burka, 1964 Olympic bronze medallist and 1965 World Champion and Toller Cranston, six-time Canadian Senior Men’s Champion and 1976 Olympic bronze medallist. Her commitment, innovative coaching techniques and dedication earned her the Order of Canada in 1978. In 1996, she became an honored member of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.
