During Henrik Lundqvist’s childhood in Sweden, his bedroom walls were adorned with posters of Mike Vernon and Tom Barrasso, two prominent NHL goaltenders. Little did he know that decades later, all three would be honored with induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame as part of the 2023 class, which notably features a strong goaltending presence.
Lundqvist, in his first year of eligibility, received the prestigious nod on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Vernon and Barrasso, after enduring lengthy waits, finally received the long-awaited call. Their inclusion means that almost half of this year’s inductees are individuals who excel in the art of preventing pucks from entering the net.
As a young aspiring goaltender, Lundqvist drew inspiration from observing the skills, style, and competitive spirit of his predecessors. Reflecting on his selection, he shared, “As a kid growing up, you always look up to the goalies who perform at the highest level and learn from their game. The Hall of Fame players have been a tremendous inspiration to me and the reason I embarked on a career in hockey.”
Joining Lundqvist, Vernon, and Barrasso in this esteemed group are former NHL forward Pierre Turgeon and Canadian women’s hockey star Caroline Ouellette, both recognized for their exceptional contributions to the sport. In addition, Stanley Cup-winning coach Ken Hitchcock and the late executive Pierre Lacroix were chosen for induction in the builder category, acknowledging their significant impact on the game.
In his illustrious career, Henrik Lundqvist achieved remarkable milestones that solidified his place among the greatest goaltenders in hockey history. After being elected in his inaugural year of eligibility, Lundqvist’s accomplishments shine brightly. He notably led Team Sweden to an Olympic gold medal in 2006 and guided the New York Rangers to the playoffs in an impressive 11 out of 12 seasons. Among those successful campaigns, he propelled the Rangers to the Stanley Cup Final in 2014 and made two appearances in the Eastern Conference Final.
Despite being selected in the seventh round of the 2000 NHL Draft, Lundqvist’s determination and skill propelled him to extraordinary heights. With 459 victories to his name, he currently holds the esteemed fifth spot on the NHL’s all-time wins list. In recognition of his exceptional performance during the 2011-2012 season, he was honored with the Vezina Trophy, bestowed upon the league’s top goaltender.
Lundqvist’s brilliance extended beyond the regular season, as he showcased his mastery in the playoffs, accumulating an additional 61 victories. Regrettably, he made the difficult decision to conclude his hockey career in 2020 due to a heart condition. However, his immense contributions to the sport have not gone unnoticed, as he will join an elite group of goaltenders when he is inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on November 13. As the third European goalie to receive this honor, Lundqvist follows in the footsteps of legends Dominik Hasek and Vladislav Tretiak, solidifying his legacy as a true icon of the game.
Tom Barrasso, a seasoned goaltender with an illustrious career, experienced the joy of winning back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1991 and 1992. Despite being eligible for induction since 2006, he had long accepted the possibility of not receiving the prestigious honor and made peace with it. In fact, it proved challenging for selection committee chairman Mike Gartner and board chairman Lanny McDonald to reach him and deliver the incredible news.
Barrasso, who had an impressive rookie season earning both the Vezina Trophy and the Calder Trophy in 1983-84, embarked on a remarkable nearly 20-year career in the NHL. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “I was definitely not waiting by the phone. Whether you make the grade or not is not for you to decide. It’s for others to decide… Being selected by the committee is a tremendous honor, and it provides a sense of validation to the beliefs I held throughout my career.”
The recognition bestowed upon Barrasso by the selection committee signifies the immense respect and admiration for his contributions to the sport. It serves as a testament to his skill, dedication, and lasting impact on the game of hockey.
The news of his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame caught Mike Vernon completely off guard. When he received a call from his former Calgary Flames teammate Lanny McDonald, he assumed it was a casual invitation to play golf. Little did he know that McDonald had a much more significant message to deliver. Vernon, a two-time Stanley Cup champion who played a pivotal role in the Flames’ victory in 1989 and was named the playoff MVP during his 1997 championship run with the Detroit Red Wings, had been eligible for induction since 2005.
Filled with surprise and emotion, Vernon expressed his deep connection to the game of hockey. He remarked, “The game has meant a lot to me throughout my life. It is an emotional time for me. It might have been a long time coming, but it is unquestionably worth it.”
While Vernon’s remarkable achievements are now recognized by his induction, the wait continues for Alexander Mogilny, a prolific Russian winger with a point-per-game average, and Curtis Joseph, a highly accomplished goaltender who sits just five victories behind Lundqvist on the NHL’s career wins list. Their own journeys towards Hall of Fame recognition continue, as their contributions and impressive careers are under consideration by the selection committee.
Caroline Ouellette’s journey to the Hockey Hall of Fame took an unexpected turn, as she earned her induction on her second chance. Her remarkable accomplishments include winning a gold medal in all four of her Olympic appearances while representing Canada. Throughout those tournaments, Ouellette contributed significantly with 30 points in 20 games. Additionally, she was part of six teams that captured the IIHF Women’s World Championship.
Pierre Turgeon’s selection comes after more than a decade of eligibility. Notably, he received the Lady Byng Trophy in 1993, recognizing him as the league’s most gentlemanly player. Turgeon’s career was highlighted by his impressive point total of 1,327 in 1,294 regular-season NHL games, with a significant portion of those points earned during his tenures with the Buffalo Sabres and St. Louis Blues.
Acknowledging the challenging decision-making process, Turgeon expressed gratitude for being part of the illustrious journey, stating, “There are a lot of great players that had great careers, so it’s got to be tough for them to decide. It has been a great journey and a privilege to be a part of that journey.”
Ken Hitchcock, who coached the Dallas Stars to their first franchise championship in 1999, finally secured his place in the Hall of Fame after a 24-year wait. Ranked fourth in regular-season wins among coaches, the 71-year-old Hitchcock was genuinely shocked to receive the call. Reflecting on his coaching career, he expressed pride in his ability to stay current and adapt to the evolving nature of the game.
Pierre Lacroix, the mastermind behind the successful Colorado Avalanche teams that won the Stanley Cup in 1996 and 2001, was posthumously elected to the Hall of Fame. He passed away in December 2020 at the age of 72. On this bittersweet occasion, his son Eric and Marty Lacroix expressed gratitude to everyone involved and highlighted their father’s strong desire for this honor.
The induction of these exceptional individuals signifies their lasting impact on the sport of hockey and their significant contributions to its legacy.
