gold star for USAHOF

1986 Hockey Inductees

The Canadian teams of the Original Six were well represented in the Class of 1986. From Toronto, you had Dave Keon and Montreal gave us Serge Savard. However, the Original Six, this time in the form of Boston gave us Leo Boivin, who we will openly question his Hall of Fame credentials. That particular inductee is one that critics of the Hall can point to when they claim that is too heavy on the Original Six era.      

Bill Hanley was selected for the Hockey Hall of Fame based on his lifetime service to the Ontario Hockey Association. Hanley was well regarded and served in the OHA in multiple capacities for decades. Still, Hanley is one of many administrators with the OHA who have been selected for Toronto, but when the Hockey Hall’s bio’s highlight is that he was a fair arbitrator, it…
One of the best players of all time for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dave Keon was probably its classiest. The 1961 Calder Trophy winner brought an abundance of skill to the Leafs with his speed, deking ability and a diverse collection of shots. Keon was an expert penalty killer, and even more of an expert staying out of the penalty box himself as shown by…
Over a nineteen year career, Leo Boivin was known throughout the National Hockey League for his toughness. He was a traditional stay at home Defenceman who may have had significant offensive prowess, but rarely allowed attackers to get the best of him. Three times, Boivin would play in the All Star Game in the early 1960’s. His best seasons were with the Boston Bruins, of…
An integral part of the Montreal Canadians defensive squad of the 1970’s, Serge Savard brought a blended and intelligent game to the Habs’ blue line. Savard did not have the same offensive skills as his team mate, Larry Robinson, but his methodical hardnosed style of play was a perfect complement to the rest of Montreal’s stars. Savard was part of seven Stanley Cup victories (and…