There is something about this induction that bothers us. Ralph “Cooney” Weiland shattered the single season points record that Howie Morenz set earlier, and simultaneously won the goals title in the 1929-30 season. This was the first NHL campaign where the forward pass was legal and Weiland along with linemates Dit Clapper and Dutch Gainor took advantage of the new rule with expert positioning.

As part of the famed “Kid Line”, Harvey “Busher” Jackson would be part of the annual points chase for years, leading the league in the category in the 1931-32 season. Jackson used his excellent speed and offensive rushes to terrorize opponents, and in the year he won the scoring title, also led his team to the Stanley Cup.

Arthur Wirtz’ entry to the Hockey Hall of Fame was based on the financial support he gave the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings, and he did legitimately make both franchises more viable. He formed a business partnership with James E. Norris to buy the Detroit Falcons (later renamed the Red Wings) and after helping to bring that team to prominence, he parted amicably with the estate of Norris (who passed away) and bought the Chicago Blackhawks. The team returned to the top of the heap when they won the Stanley Cup in 1961; there first in 23 years.

A star Defenceman on the 1950’s Montreal Canadians, Tom Johnson is not often the first (or even second or third) player you think of when you discuss that franchise, but Johnson’s peak coincided with the best period of the Habs’ storied history. In 1959, Johnson won the Norris Trophy and was named to the First Team All Star roster and was a key part of Montreal’s five consecutive Stanley Cups. Tom Johnson may not have been the fastest skater, but his ability to use his stick and steal the puck from his opponents created countless counter attacks.