1970 Hockey Inductees
The Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 1970: A Celebration of Longevity and Leadership
The 1970 induction class serves as a profound bridge between the high-scoring eras of the 1940s and the tactical evolution of the 1960s. This year, the Hall honored a group of players whose names are synonymous with the grit and skill of the "Original Six" era, alongside builders who helped shape the professional landscape of the sport.
Legends of the Crease and the Blue Line
The Class of 1970 was headlined by goaltending icon Glenn Hall, affectionately known as "Mr. Goalie." Hall’s induction celebrated one of the most remarkable streaks in professional sports—502 consecutive complete games played without a mask. Joining him was Tom Johnson, a cornerstone of the Montreal Canadiens' defensive dynasty, and Cecil "Tiny" Thompson, whose legendary career in the 1930s finally received its due recognition in 1970.
Forwards and Builders Who Defined an Era
The induction of Babe Dye brought a focus to the early days of the NHL, highlighting his incredible scoring prowess with the Toronto St. Patricks. However, 1970 wasn't just about the athletes. The "Builder" category saw the induction of Bunny Ahearne, the influential president of the IIHF, and Clarence Campbell, the long-standing NHL President whose name would later grace the league's Western Conference trophy. Their inclusion underscores the 1970 class as a pivotal moment in recognizing the administrative architects of global hockey.
