BKonthescene

By BKONTHESCENE &YYZ Photography

The 2023 Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Celebration was on Monday, November 13, in Toronto (preceded by the traditional slate of “Induction Weekend” events beginning on Friday, November 10th,for the ring ceremony and also including the annual “Hockey Hall of Fame Game” hosted by the Toronto Maple Leafs).Monday was the red carpets induction ceremony to celebrate all the accomplishments of the distinguished honorees.Congratulations to all the builders,coaches and players who were inducted to the 2023 class of the HHOF:

The final score of the Playmakers vs. Goal Scorers game-Team Nieuwendyk 4-Team Oates 3.
In the Builder Category, two individuals were elected.

Ken Hitchcock began his junior coaching career with the Kamloops Blazers in 1984, winning two WHL championships before beginning his professional coaching career in 1990 as an assistant coach with the Philadelphia Flyers. Hired as head coach in Dallas in 1996, he led the Stars to a Stanley Cup championship in 1999. Hitchcock is the fourth winningest coach in NHL history, with 849 wins over 22 seasons.

“I really can’t thank the Hockey Hall of Fame enough for this honour,” said Hitchcock. “Hockey is my life and the friendships I have made in the game mean the world to me.”

A former player agent, Pierre Lacroix was hired by the Quebec Nordiques as general manager in 1994. He continued with the franchise in Colorado where the Avalanche won the Stanley Cup in 1996 and 2001. Lacroix passed away at the age of 72 on December 13, 2020.

“This is a dream come true for our family,” said Lacroix’s wife, Coco. “I’m sure that Pierre is very happy.”

In the Player Category, five individuals were elected.

A native of Boston, Tom Barrasso was selected fifth overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1983 NHL Draft after completing a stellar high school career at Acton-Boxborough. With the Sabres in 1983-84, Barrasso won the Calder Memorial Trophy and Vezina Trophy, while also being a member of the NHL All-Rookie and First All-Star teams. After being traded to Pittsburgh, he won the Stanley Cup in both 1991 and 1992. Barrasso retired in 2002-03 with 369 career wins, the second most among U.S.-born goaltenders in League history at the time.

Henrik Lundqvist grew up in Are, Sweden, and was drafted by the New York Rangers in the seventh round of the 2000 NHL Draft while he was a member of Vastra Frolunda HC Goteborg. He joined the Rangers in 2005 and played his entire career with the club. Lundqvist won 459 games, the most ever by a Rangers’ goaltender and the most for a European born goaltender in NHL history. In international play, he won gold medals at the Olympics (2006) and World Championships (2017).

“It’s been a great ride for me in this game,” said Lundqvist. “The Hall is filled with a list of players who were an inspiration to me.”

Born in Montreal, Quebec, Caroline Ouellette became a member of Canada’s national women’s team in 1998-99 and played three seasons at the University of Minnesota-Duluth starting in 2002-03. As a member of Canada’s national team, Ouellette won four Olympic gold medals and six gold medals at the World Championships. A driving force in women’s professional hockey, Ouellette was the first player in the CWHL to reach the 300-point plateau (in 2016-17).

Growing up in Rouyn, Quebec, Pierre Turgeon starred for the Granby Bisons before being selected first overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1987 NHL Draft. In 1,294 regular-season NHL games, Turgeon scored 515 goals and 812 assists. He added another 35 goals and 62 assists in 109 games during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, while also winning the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 1993 as a member of the New York Islanders.

“It is a privilege to be amongst the greats of the game,” said Turgeon. “I am so happy to receive this great honour.”

A member of the Calgary Wranglers in the WHL, Mike Vernon was drafted by the hometown Flames in the third round of the 1981 NHL Draft. Beginning his professional career in 1982, Vernon won the Stanley Cup with Calgary in 1989 and the Detroit Red Wings in 1997. In 1997, Vernon won 16 of 20 games during the Stanley Cup Playoffs en route to claiming the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.

“My late mother asked me years ago if I would ever make it into the Hockey Hall of Fame,” said Vernon. “My mom was my first coach and this one’s for her.”