5 Super Athletes With Ties To Canton

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Canton area, these values have shaped some truly remarkable athletes from different eras, whose accomplishments continue to inspire.

Patch has teamed up with T-Mobile to spotlight five standout athletes whose achievements have left a lasting mark on our community. While this list is just a snapshot, there are countless others who have helped shape the rich sports culture in our area.

1. Chelsea Mitchell (Track & Field)

A standout track and field athlete, Mitchell excelled in sprints and jumps during her time at Canton High School. She earned 11 Connecticut State Championships, including three prestigious state open titles in events like the 55m dash, 100m and long jump. Named the Connecticut State Track Athlete of the Year in 2019, Mitchell’s accomplishments also include a runner-up finish in the Emerging Elite Long Jump at the New Balance Outdoor Nationals and a No. 3 national ranking in the long jump during her senior year.

2. Anna Norland (Field Hockey)

Norland, a former Canton High School standout, was inducted into the Connecticut Field Hockey Hall of Fame in 2015 for her remarkable sports achievements. At Canton, she earned 12 varsity letters across field hockey, basketball and softball, excelling as a starting forward on a dominant field hockey team that won two Class S state championships and maintained a 52-game unbeaten streak. Norland held the school record for goals scored in a season (22) and was a two-time All-State selection. Her success continued at Trinity College, where she started 59 games, scored 30 goals and earned Academic All-American honors while serving as team captain her senior year.

3. Evan Howard (Ice Hockey)

A Canton High School alum, Howard excelled as a defenseman for the Newington Nor’easters, leading his team to multiple conference championships and a state title in 2022. A First Team All-State selection and Division III Defenseman of the Year, he tallied 26 points in his senior season and served as assistant captain. Known for his leadership and powerful shot, Howard also earned Team MVP honors and was invited to the CHSCA Senior Selects.

4. Danny Hoffman (Baseball)

A talented center fielder in MLB, Hoffman played for the Philadelphia Athletics, New York Highlanders and St. Louis Browns from 1903 to 1911. A native of Canton, Hoffman honed his skills in the village of Collinsville, where he played youth baseball before being scouted for the minor leagues. Over nine seasons and 829 games, Hoffman compiled an impressive record, including a .256 batting average, 185 stolen bases and 52 triples, showcasing his speed and versatility.

5. David Vaudreuil (Soccer)

Vaudreuil had a distinguished career in professional soccer, spanning seven seasons in MLS and earning two MLS Cup championships with D.C. United. Born in Hawaii but raised in Canton, Vaudreuil's soccer journey began at Canton High School, where he was an All-American player and part of the 1981 state championship team. Inducted into both the school's Wall of Fame and the Connecticut Soccer Hall of Fame, he continued his legacy at Princeton University before transitioning to a career that included playing for over 15 teams across six leagues and coaching at various levels.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.