Danièle Sauvageau, M.S.C., Saint-Lambert, Quebec
Meritorious Service Cross (civil division)
As Head Coach, Danièle Sauvageau led the Women’s Canadian Olympic Hockey Team to victory at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Utah. The team captured the first ever Olympic gold medal in that discipline, when it defeated the USA in the final game. Selected as the Coaching Association of Canada’s official spokesperson in July 2002, Ms. Sauvageau has since lobbied to promote the essential role of coaches, in particular the importance of increased participation by women in coaching positions.