By Chanelle Seguin
The 2012 Hockey Hall of Fame Induction festivities begin tonight and many hockey critics believe the lockout will not overshadow the weekend’s special occasion.
Brian Costello, Hockey Hall of Fame writer for The Hockey News, said this weekend is a highlight in all the lows the NHL has had this season.
“It’s kind of a feel good story in a season that’s been all black and darkness,” Costello told Humber News.
One event that will not be held this weekend is the annual Hall of Fame game, which was to feature the Toronto Maple Leafs and New Jersey Devils. But due to the lockout the game is cancelled, along with every other regular season NHL game up to this point.
HHOF president and Chief Operating Officer, Jeff Denomme, told the Toronto Sun the cancellation of the Hall of Fame game will hopefully put more emphasis on the HHOF Legends game, which is scheduled for Sunday.
“But from a fund-raising component, we expect more people will now come to see Mats and the others get their Hall blazers and play in the Legends Game on Sunday,” said Denomme, adding the ACC is expect to reach full capacity at 12,500.
The 2012 class includes: Adam Oates, Mats Sundin, Joe Sakic, and Pavel Bure. Many hockey fans consider this year’s inductees to be some of the most talented players the HHOF has honoured.
However, there has been a debate whether Brendan Shanahan should have been selected over Mats Sundin.
Listen: Fan590 Toronto Maple Leafs Reporter David Alter
Gavin Ewing, intern for Sportsnet the Fan590, said Shanahan was worthy of being inducted this year, but his position as the NHL’s chief disciplinarian NHL may have held him back.
“You could make a case for Brendan Shanahan,” said Ewing. “His Stanley Cups and points obviously make him a lock. But I understand why the NHL would hold him back the first year seeing as he works for the NHL.”
Costello also had Shanahan at the top of his list for possible inductees this year, but he disagrees and believes the selection committee wouldn’t let side information like Shanahan’s current job get in the way of his induction.
“I think the people on the committee are smart and wise enough to induct a candidate whether he is still working in NHL capacity or not,” said Costello. “I know a couple of players over the years who have been inducted and they’re still very much active in the NHL.”
The celebrations continue all weekend with the final induction ceremony on Monday night.
The Inductees
Listen: Gavin Ewing explains why each inductee is deserving
Mats Sundin
Teams
Quebec Nordiques (1990 – 1993), Toronto Maple Leafs (1994—2007), Vancouver Canucks (2008—2009)
Career Games
1346
Career Points
1349
All-Star Game Appearances
9
Stanley Cups
0
Awards
Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award (’07-’08)
References:
http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=5252
http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=25426
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=1215
Joe Sakic
Teams
Quebec Nordiques (1988 – 1994), Colorado Avalanche (1995 – 2009)
Career Games
1378
Career Points
1641
All-Star Game Appearances
12
Stanley Cups
1996 defeated Florida Panthers, 2001 defeated New Jersey Devils
Awards
Conn Smythe (‘95-‘96), Hart Memorial (‘00-‘01), Lady Byng Memorial (’00-’01), Lester B. Pearson (’00-’01)
References:
http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=5252
http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=25426
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=831
Adam Oates
Teams
Detroit Red Wings (1985—1988), St. Louis Blues (1989—1991/1992), Boston Bruins (1991/1992—1996/1997), Washington Capitals (1996/1997—2001/2002), Philadelphia Flyers (2001—2002), Anaheim Might Ducks (2002—2003), Edmonton Oilers (2003—2004)
Career Games
1337
Career Points
1420
All-Star Game Appearances
5
Stanley Cups
0
Awards
References:
http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=5252
http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=25426
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=1215
Pavel Bure
Teams
Vancouver Canucks (1991—1997), Florida Panthers (1998—2001/2002), New York Rangers (2001/2002 – 2003)
Career Games
702
Career Points
779
All-Star Game Appearances
6
Stanley Cups
0
Awards
Calder Memorial (’91-’92), Maurice “Rocket” Richard (’99-’00), Maurice “Rocket” Richard (’00-’01)
References:
http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=5252
http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=25426
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=1215
HHOF Inductee Buzz
booking last minute flights to Toronto. Going to the Hockey Hall of Fame induction
— Candace Cameron Bure (@candacecbure) November 8, 2012
Down at the Hockey Hall of Fame for the premiere of TSN's new 3D movie: "Gino's Mustache Attacks Japan". Ok it's called "Stanley's Game 7".
— James Duthie (@tsnjamesduthie) November 7, 2012
Peerless passing skills Adam Oates’ ticket to Hall of Fame – http://t.co/3Ng2wNBK http://t.co/DDZwkEXe @torontostar
— Darren R Pang (@Panger40) November 9, 2012