SAPPORO, Japan - Former Canadian champions Russ Howard and Ray Turnbull will be inducted into the World Curling Hall of Fame next month.

Hiroyuki Saito, a former World Curling Federation executive board member, rounds out the Class of 2015.

Saito was presented with the Freytag Medal on Thursday at the world women's curling championship at the Tsukisamu Gymnasium. Howard, from Moncton, N.B., and Turnbull, from Winnipeg, will be honoured at the Mar. 28-Apr. 5 world men's curling championship in Halifax.

Randy Ferbey of Edmonton, a 2014 inductee, will also be honoured at the Scotiabank Centre.

"It really is wonderful to see these three men honoured for what they've accomplished both on and off the ice," Curling Canada chief executive officer Greg Stremlaw said in a release. "Canada has taken a leadership role over the years in raising the profile of curling, both in our country and around the world, and Russ, Ray and Randy all played a significant role and should be congratulated for their induction to the World Curling Hall of Fame."

Howard won Olympic gold for Canada at the 2006 Games in Turin, Italy. The longtime broadcaster also played in 14 Briers and won national and world curling titles in 1987 and 1993.

"Curling has given me so many opportunities over the years, for which I will always be thankful," Howard said. "I consider myself blessed that I've had these opportunities to play the game I love and be rewarded so richly for it, and I'm truly appreciative to the World Curling Federation for this honour and to Curling Canada for its support over the years."

Turnbull won the Brier in 1965, throwing lead rocks for Terry Braunstein. He also worked as a coach, official and broadcaster.

"I've always thought I was extremely lucky to have been able to make a living from this wonderful sport that has given so much pleasure to people around the world," said Turnbull. "There are so many friends, teammates and family members who've helped me to get here, and I'm sharing this honour with all of them."

Ferbey was named to the World Curling Hall of Fame last year but deferred his official induction ceremony until this year in Halifax. His six Canadian men's titles — 1988 and 1989 as a third for Pat Ryan's team, then 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2005 throwing third rocks and skipping the legendary Ferbey Four — are a record.

The four-time world champion also shares the record for most Brier wins as a skip (four) with Ernie Richardson and Kevin Martin.

"We are delighted to induct three outstanding ambassadors of our sport into the World Curling Hall of Fame — Russ Howard, Ray Turnbull and Hiroyuki Saito," said WCF president Kate Caithness. "We are also looking forward to formally inducting Randy Ferbey who has waited patiently to receive this honour in Canada."

Saito played a significant role in developing curling in Asia. He was a long-serving president of the Pacific-Asia Curling Federation and also served as president of the Japan Curling Association.

"All four individuals have been hugely influential in our sport both on and off the ice," Caithness said. "Their endeavours have not only inspired generations of curlers but more importantly helped develop our sport considerably around the world. Their dedication to curling is reflected by this honour which recognizes their remarkable achievements in our sport."

Ferbey will be inducted April 3 while Howard and Turnbull will be inducted April 4.