Paul Kariya has decided to call an end to his professional career today as he announced his retirement due to the affects of post concussion syndrome.  Kariya's Hall of Fame resume is a very intriguing one and arguably could be one of the more debated ones in the future.

A star in college, Kariya won the Hobey Baker Award and led the University of Maine to an NCAA championship.  Kariya would remain a star on the professional circuit, as he would become a six time All Star and the leader of the Mighty Dicks of Anaheim.  The skilled superstar may not have hoisted the Stanley Cup, but he was a vital part of Team Canada's victory in the 2002 Winter Olympics.   Averaging exactly one point per game, Paul Kariya retires with 989 points in 989 games.  These are very solid statistics for the era that he played in, but his failure to eclipse that magical 1,000 point barrier may cost him an Hall of Fame berth.  Regardless, we feel once he is eligible for the Hall of Fame, that he should be in our top fifteen.  Any thoughts on Paul Kariya's career?   Hall of Fame or not?

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?