This may not have received the press that we think it deserves but there has been a significant retirement in the world of professional hockey today.

After being waived by the Montreal Canadians, Mark Streit refused assignment to the AHL and opted to retire from hockey after playing only two games for the Habs for two games this year.

A late round draft pick in 2004 by the Montreal Canadians, Streit was 26 at the time of his selection and was a two time champion in the IIHF Continental Cup and an established star in the Swiss League. Finally making his NHL debut in the NHL at age 28, the offensively minded blueliner would put together a 60 Point season in 2007-08.

Streit would sign with the New York Islanders as a Free Agent and the Swiss born star would see his profile rise in the NHL but also in his native Switzerland. Streit would become the Islanders captain and was named an All Star in his debut season on the island.

As a member of the Swiss National Hockey Team he would represent his nation in thirteen World Championships and three Olympics. He scored 49 Points in 110 Games for Switzerland.

He would continue to play for the Philadelphia Flyers and was traded late last season to the Pittsburgh Penguins where he would win his first and only Stanley Cup. He was resigned with the Canadians this season but was used sparingly.

While we don’t see the Hockey Hall of Fame induct Streit, the International Ice Hockey Federation Hall of Fame induct him for his accomplishments for his country.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to thank Mark Streit for his memories on the ice and wish him the best in his next endeavor!

In four years Kobe Bryant will be eligible for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, and there is little doubt as to whether he is going in on the first ballot. He is. There is also no question that despite what should be a loaded class with Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett also likely going in, that he will be the headliner.

The only question really is who will induct him, so it was not a surprise when he was asked by Complex as to who he would have as the inductor:

"In terms of who might present, for me it’s two people: Michael Jordan or Phil Jackson. They’ve been the greatest mentors, not only in my career as an athlete, but also as a person. And what I might say is just a lot of thank yous. ‘Cause I’ve had a lotta help along the way. A lotta lotta help."

Jordan is widely considered to be the greatest player of all-time and while Kobe has entered that discussion for some, the two only have greatness in common as they never played with each other nor has Bryant played for Jordan. Phil Jackson however is another story.

Jackson coached Bryant in Los Angeles where the duo would win five NBA Titles. The coach/player was not always a pleasant one as Jackson ripped Bryant in his book, which was released during his hiatus calling him “uncoachable”. Still, when thinking of who would be the best person to induct Kobe it is hard to think of a better choice.

The countdown is on!

It is another big day for us at Notinhalloffame.com!

Last December, The Fictitious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced it’s second full class as voted by a one year long vote by the public.

That class comprised Gorillaz and Tenacious D who joined the inaugural (and controversial) inductees of Spinal Tap, The Blues Brothers and The Monkees.

Like in previous years, the opening round began with over 500 Fictional Musicians which was reduced to 40 Fictional Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Semi-Finalists. The top 12 vote getters advanced to the Final Round.

The 12 Fictitious Rock and Roll Hall Finalists are:

Alvin & the Chipmunks (Alvin & the Chipmunks)

B-Sharps, The (The Simpsons)

Bleeding Gums Murphy (The Simpsons)

Dr. Teeth & the Electric Mayhem (The Muppets)

Marvin Berry & the Starlighters (Back to the Future)

Michigan J. Frog (Warner Brothers)

Otis Day & The Knights (Animal House)

Rutles, The (The Rutles)

School of Rock, The (The School of Rock)

Soggy Bottom Boys, The (O Brother, Where Art Thou?)

Wonders, The (That Thing You Do!)

Wyld Stallyns (Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure)

The Finalists will be announced on December 30, 2017.

Voting can be found here: http://www.notinhalloffame.com/ficitious-rock-and-roll-voting/2017-final-round

 

We thank you for your support of this project and look for more like this from us at Notinhalloffame.com!

Our slow and methodical process of putting together the top 50 players from every franchise continues and it is just in time for the upcoming NBA season. Today we present one of the newest franchises, the Toronto Raptors.

The Raptors have never won an NBA Championship, nor have they been to the Finals but as of this writing have had their best string of regular and post season success in the last few years. With a team this young this is not exactly an All Star team but that is to be expected and it will be fun to watch this list fluctuate in the coming years.

The entire list can be found here, but as per tradition we are offering the top five here.

1. Chris Bosh

2. Vince Carter

3. DeMar DeRozan

4. Kyle Lowry

5. Jose Calderon

Up next is the recent loser in the American League Wild Card Game, the Minnesota Twins.

As always, we here at Notinhalloffame.com we encourage you to take a look at this new list and offer your opinions!