gold star for USAHOF

1986 Hockey Inductees

The Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 1986 honors a monumental tier of leadership, defensive mastery, and championship class, bringing together icons who defined the iconic Toronto-Montreal rivalry and shaped the modern game.

Headlining the player category was Dave Keon, the legendary, elegant center who stands as one of the greatest players to ever wear the Toronto Maple Leafs blue and white. Renowned for his immaculate two-way play, blistering speed, and unparalleled leadership, Keon led Toronto to four Stanley Cup championships, claiming the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1967 and two Lady Byng Trophies as the epitome of clean sportsmanship. Joining him in the class was his longtime rival, Serge Savard, the towering anchor of the Montreal Canadiens' defense. Famous for his explosive, perfectly timed hip-checks, Boivin anchored the blue line for the Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wings over a brilliant 19-season career.

In the builder category, the Hall recognized Bill Hanley, a highly respected executive whose decades of administration within the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) and the NHL profoundly stabilized major junior and professional hockey frameworks. Together, the Class of 1986 represents a masterclass in defensive excellence, flawless character, and foundational leadership.

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…