HHOF Induction weekend brings light to NHL season

Nov 9, 2012 | Sports

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.

Joe Sakic headlines this year’s Hockey Hall of Fame inductees. COURTESY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

“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

COURTESY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

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

COURTESY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

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

COURTESY FLICKR

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

COURTESY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

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