gold star for USAHOF
Site Admin

Site Admin

55. Rick Tocchet

When Rick Tocchet entered the National Hockey League, he seemingly did so with the strength of his pugilistic skills. Tocchet still fought, but by his fourth season he emerged as an effective scorer as well. Tocchet was as hard nosed as they came and was the quintessential power forward of the game. The popular winger won a Stanley Cup with Pittsburgh and though he played for six different teams throughout his career he was always among the more popular. Tocchet did score a lot of points, but it may not have been enough to gain entry. Let’s hope that Rick Tocchet isn’t betting on his chances.

60. Ron Hextall

It is funny how Ron Hextall may be known more for the one goal (though he did do it again in a playoff game) he scored as opposed to the many he prevented. Hextall was a fearless player who had no qualms leaving the net showcasing his skating acumen. In addition to being one of the game’s most mobile netminders, he was also among the most aggressive. Opposing players were wary of Hextall’s stick as he was known to slash at anyone who dared cross his path.

17. J.C. Tremblay

A converted winger, J.C. Tremblay made the transition to defense look easy. As a converted forward, Tremblay understood the offensive aspects of the game and was a natural playmaker from the blue line. Tremblay’s last two years with the Habs saw him reach his best points totals, but it could be argued that his best years were out of the NHL. Tremblay joined the WHA’s Quebec Nordiques and was easily among the best defenders in the league. His WHA output was good and had he chose to stay in the NHL it could be debated that he might have had a potential induction by now.

53. Pat Verbeek

Although many people have laced up the skates for the New Jersey Devils, there were many who thought that Pat Verbeek may very well be one. Verbeek was a tough player who logged over 2,500 in penalty minutes and was as pesky a player as they came. Verbeek could put the puck in the net and scored 522 goals in his career. There are a few players on this list who cracked the 1,000 point mark, but pound for pound there were few on the level of Pat Verbeek.