gold star for USAHOF
Site Admin

Site Admin

89. Doug Jarvis

It is always impressive when a man plays 964 games in the National Hockey League. What made Doug Jarvis’ 964 games so special is that he played them in a row setting the “iron man” mark for consecutive games played. Jarvis didn’t just play in those games: he was a gritty defensive-minded forward who was the master of the penalty kill. He didn’t light up the lamps, but that was not what he was paid to do. Considering he is the “iron man” of Hockey, an induction is not impossible.

26. Ralph Backstrom

The forgotten third center of the Montreal Canadians, Ralph Backstrom was a forgotten grinder on the great Hans team of the 60’s. As he was primarily on a checking line (and not French Canadian), he was not necessarily the poster boy of Canadians Hockey. Still, Backstrom was a multi time All Star and a pivotal member of many Stanley Cup wins. Like many, Backstrom bolted for the WHA and was a force there. Similar to others on this list, Ralph Backstrom’s tenure in the World Hockey Association might be to his determent for Hall consideration.

159. Kevin Hatcher

Likely because he played the bulk (and peak) of his career with the Washington Capitals, a lot of hockey fans were not watching Kevin Hatcher. The durable defenseman was able to score a lot of points and netted 34 goals in the 1992-93 campaign. On four occasions, Hatcher was able to achieve at least 50 points and was able to get 677 for his career. The five-time All-Star may not make the Hall in Toronto, but he should be able to rightfully gain entry into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.

98. Tony Amonte

A star for the Chicago Black Hawks and the United States National Team, Tony Amonte enjoyed a solid career. His career zenith was as a Black Hawk where the consistent American Right Winger enjoyed a five-year stretch where he did not miss a game and was among the best players in the Windy City. A five-time All-Star, Amonte was one of the better American born hockey players of All Time, but without that magical 1,000 points NHL plateau or a dominant season, he may have to settle for the American Hall of Fame instead.