Yan Huckendubler has captured and shared over 30 years of Canadian hockey
In the Builders Category of this year’s Field Hockey Canada Hall of Fame, Field Hockey Canada proudly inducts Yan Huckendubler, a visionary who has made a unique mark on the sport behind the scenes. Huckendubler’s contributions have been instrumental in promoting and documenting the growth of Canadian field hockey over several decades.
“Yan is someone who has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to help our national programs succeed at the international level. He gave endlessly without ever asking for anything in return,” said Ali Baggott, a mentee under Huckendubler.
Huckendubler’s journey into field hockey began in Paris, France, where he was introduced to the game and quickly fell in love with it. He spent 20 years playing at the club level for CASG Paris before making a significant life change in 1984. Driven by both his passion for the game and his personal life, Huckendubler relocated to Canada to move to his wife’s home country.
Once settled in Ontario, Huckendubler wasted no time immersing himself in the sport. He began his involvement as a technical official for Field Hockey Canada and soon stumbled upon a burgeoning trend that would shape his future contributions. “In 1978, the internet was just starting to emerge, and social media was non-existent. Given my IT background, I was curious about the internet and decided to start a website for Field Hockey Canada,” Huckendubler recalls.
This initiative led to a groundbreaking moment in 1998 when Huckendubler, covering the World Cup in the Netherlands, began updating the Field Hockey Canada website from the venue. “I thought it would be fun to post results and updates directly from the World Cup. Little did I know it would lead to so much more,” he says.
Huckendubler’s pioneering work in establishing an online presence for the sport earned him a media credential at the World Cup, marking the start of an illustrious career. Over the years, he has become an iconic hockey photographer, capturing moments at six Olympic Games, seven Pan American Games, and six Commonwealth Games. His images have become a cherished part of field hockey’s history, and not just of Canadian athletes, but hockey personnel globally.
Yet, it’s not just Huckendubler’s technical expertise that sets him apart; it’s his character. His dedication and humility have made him a revered figure in the field hockey community. Although he photographed the Paris 2024 Games, he identified this year as him taking a step back, a step towards retirement. Huckendubler emphasized the broader lesson his career represents.
“There are many ways to contribute to field hockey. Whether you’re a player, a coach, an umpire, or involved in other capacities, your involvement is valuable,” said Huckendubler.
As Yan Huckendubler joins the Field Hockey Canada Hall of Fame, his story stands as a testament to the diverse ways one can impact a sport. His innovative spirit, dedication, and passion have left a lasting legacy in Canadian field hockey, illustrating that even behind the scenes, extraordinary contributions can shape the future of the game.
