from Allan Muir of Sports Illustrated,

First thing you need to do is increase the number of voters. Currently there are 18, 14 of whom must support a candidate to grant admission to the Hall. That tight gap makes it too easy for a small bloc to prevent someone from gaining admission for any perceived flaw or slight. More to the point, it gets a little too incestuous, too tightly knit. Open it up a bit, decentralize the voting power and get some new blood in there.

What’s the right number? I don’t know, maybe 25? 50? I’ll leave that up to you. You don’t want to be like baseball where everybody but the popcorn vendors chime in, but there are experienced voices out there that could contribute to the process. More of them need to be heard.

And when you get around to adding those voices, how about breaking up the old boys club a bit? Yes, the NHL is and always should be the primary focus of the Hall. But it’s the Hockey Hall of Fame, not the NHL Hall of Fame. You’ve allowed women in as honored members. Now how about a couple of women on the selection committee? A few more European voices wouldn’t hurt, either, judging by the absence of players like Vladimir Krutov, Sergei Makarov and Sven Tumba iu the Great Hall.

And while we’re on about members, maybe you could have a talk with the guys about the builders category. I’m sure there’s a reason why everyone who’s ever been a part-owner of the Calgary Flames is in while legendary coaches like Pat Burns, Fred Shero and Mike Keenan have been snubbed time and again, but it needs to be addressed. And seriously: Don Cherry. It’s time.

And then there’s the process. It’s a little too…Canadian.

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