In Play Magazine
Four of the greatest players to have played hockey were inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on November 9. Three of the 4 players at one point in their careers, wore the winged wheel for Detroit.
Brett Hall, third in the NHL for career goals scored, two time Stanley Cup Champion, and former Detroit Red Wings player was an easy choice for his first year of eligibility. In fact, all four players were first ballot inductees. Hull was one of the greatest snipers to ever play the game.
Brian Leetch, long time New York Ranger and the only American born player being inducted this year, is arguably one of the best defensemen to ever play the game. In 1992, Leetch became the fifth, and last, defenseman to amass 100 points in a single season. He finished his career with over 1000 points. He won his only cup in 1994.
Luc Robitaille, another magical goal scorer and one of the NHL’s greatest ninth round draft picks ever, was the only inductee to split his speech between English and French. Robitaille only hoisted the cup once in his career, that being with the 2001-2002 Detroit Red Wings, but played with the poise that should have earned him many more.
Steve Yzerman, sixth all time in points (1755) scored, over 1000 career assists, and a three time Stanley Cup Winner. Steve was the crown jewel of the induction. Yzerman currently holds the record for most NHL seasons as a single team’s captain. On November 9, he captained the 2009 induction class.
A reoccurring theme through the weekend and induction night itself was the Stanley Cup Champion Red Wings of 2001-2002. Only eight years ago that group graced the ice surfaces of the NHL, but already it is considered to be the greatest single team ever assembled. A team that held anywhere from 5-15 future hall of fame players, only time will tell exactly how great of a team it truly was.
Many people thanked the Wings and the Illitchs, or at least referenced to the dynasty that they created in Detroit. Some year there may be a whole hall dedicated to the 2001-2002 Red Wings, but for today we must only look back to November 9, the night that many people have said was the 2001-2002 Red Wings Hockey Hall of Fame Induction.
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