Almost one hundred years ago, Hughie McCormick of Kennebecasis Island, King’s County was crowned the Professional Speed Skating Champion of New Brunswick.And, just five years later, he was the New Brunswick, Maritime, North American and World Champion with records in the 1, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 14 mile distances! He was not a “stay-at-home” kind of champion; his twelve-year professional career found him involved in a series of challenge events – for purses of from $25 to $500 per race, in New York City, Minneapolis, Christiania Norway, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Charlottetown, Halifax, Sydney and almost every frozen surface in-between, where there could be found one or more who were prepared to test their mettle against this giant of the professional speed skating world. His is a story of dedication, fortitude and self-discipline – the ingredients of the successful and complete professional.His is also the kind of story that must be told to all New Brunswickers who dream great dreams and who, like McCormick, have the will to make those dreams become realities. Enrolled in the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame, June 5, 1982