Well gang, today they announced the latest class for the Hockey Hall of Fame and we have to admit that we are pleased with the results. Four of our top ten were selected, and that is a lot better than what we saw last year.
Although our top three were not selected, we really don;t know if the Hall will ever admit our number #1 Selection in Don Cherry. We have not seen any real evidence that he is even on their radar despite his undeniable iconic stature in the game. Our number #2 Selection, Sergei Makarov is rarely discussed despite his vast accomplishments for the Soviet Red Army. Had he made more of a splash in the NHL, he may be in discussions. As for Adam Oates, our #3 choice, we feel he has way too many career points to be ignored forever.
Here is a quick look at those who were picked:
#4 Doug Gilmour: You can bet they are partying in Toronto in Calgary today. Doug Gilmour may have been small in stature, but he was tall in heart and overall popularity. Don Cherry may not have gotten in, but you can bet he has already congratulated his favorite non Bruin.
#5 Joe Niewendyk: All Joe Niewendyk did was win. With three Stanley Cups and an Olympic Gold Medal, he was a winner everywhere he went. As one of the select few with over 500 career goals, this was a no brainer in many eyes.
#6 Ed Belfour: We thought it was very possible that our highes rated Goalie would be passed over. Granted his on ice accomplishments make him a certifiable Hall of Fame selection, but hi off ice antics would make him a candidate to be punished. Thankfully, the Hall chose on ice as opposed to off ice and the "Eagle" goes in on his first year of eligibilty.
#7 Mark Howe: To us this is the biggest surprise. Mark Howe but up huge numbers in the World Hockey Association and was a three time finalist for the Norris Trophy. Still, without a complete NHL career, it seemed like their would only be one Howe in the Hall. We are very happy that our highest rated blueliner has made the Hall.
As much as we will enjoy removing these four stars from por list, it will be by no means easy to revise our hockey list. Take a look at who is eligible next year, and a case can be made that all should be on the next 100.
Eligible now are: Joe Sakic, Brendan Shanahan, Jeremy Roenick, Mats Sundin, Olaf Kolzig, Gary Roberts, Teppo Numimen, Curtis Joseph, Marcus Naslund, Bobby Holik and Claude Lemieux. Talk about a loaded group!
What are your thoughts on this year's inductees, and next year's new group of eligibles?
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