2009 Hockey Hall of Fame Inductees

This class of new HOF’ers is one of the best yet, as Steve Yzerman, Brian Leetch, Brett Hull, Luc Robitaille and Lou Lamoriello were inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame this week.

video - 2009 Hockey Hall of Fame Inductees courtesy of The Hockey News

It’s hard to think of a better, or more deserving class that this group – Yzerman was clearly one of the greatest captains in the history of the game, Hull was electrifying (and still has the 3rd most goals in NHL history), Leetch was a legendary defensemen, and an integral piece of the historic 1994 Rangers Cup win. Luc Robitaille ended his career with 668 goals, only the sixth left-winger in NHL history to do so – and his captivating play helped the NHL thrive in the crowded expansion market of Los Angeles.

Lou Lamoriello was the mastermind behind three Devils Stanley Cup wins, (in 1995, 2000, and 2003) and on top of these three rings, he holds the distinction of longest tenured GM in NHL history (22 years) – a feat that is truly remarkable, considering the rapid turnover of personnel and administration in the modern game.

In the past, there have been considerably weaker classes of inductees, but 2009 is a good year for the Hall – all of these players (and coaches and builders) truly deserved their spot in the Hall of Fame, undoubtedly. I managed to take a tour of the Hall on a trip to Toronto once, and it was incredible. Easily one of the highlights of my life, and I’d recommend it to anyone – go if you ever get the chance.

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