Kukla's Korner Hockey

Kukla's Korner Hockey

Your 2019 Hockey Hall Of Fame Class

06/25/2019 at 3:09pm EDT

from TSN,

Six more received their calls to the Hall on Tuesday.

Four-time Olympic gold medalist Hayley Wickenheiser, Montreal Canadiens great Guy Carbonneau, longtime Dallas Stars defenceman Sergei Zubov and Vaclav Nedomansky, the first player to defect to North America to play, were among the sextet selected for induction to the Hockey Hall of Fame next fall.

They will be joined in the Builders Category by current Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford and longstanding Boston College coach Jerry York.

continued

added 3:49pm, NHL release is below.

TORONTO (June 25, 2019) Lanny McDonald, Chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame announced today that six individuals have been elected to Hockey Hall of Fame Honoured Membership, in both the Player and Builder Category. The vote took place today at the annual meeting of the Selection Committee in Toronto.

“The Hockey Hall of Fame is proud to welcome these hockey legends as Honoured Members,” said McDonald. “Their contributions to the game of hockey are well documented and their election to the Hockey Hall of Fame is richly deserved.”

In the Builder Category, two individuals were elected.

Jim Rutherford was a first-round selection of the Detroit Red Wings in 1969 and after his playing career ended he embarked on a long and storied career in management. From his start with the Windsor Spitfires in 1984, Jim went on to the General Manager post with the Hartford franchise for 20 years, winning a Stanley Cup in Carolina in 2006. He currently holds the post of GM with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he won Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017.

“I started my career in Beeton, 50 miles north of the Hall of Fame, never dreaming that I would once be in it,” said Rutherford. “I’ve travelled lots of miles in hockey and met so many great people along the way.”

Also in the Builder Category, Jerry York was elected. Jerry began his NCAA coaching career at Clarkson University in 1972, moving to Bowling Green in 1979. In 15 years at Bowling Green his teams had six NCAA tournament berths, winning the title in 1984. He then moved to Boston College where he has won an additional four NCAA championships.

“I’m flabbergasted with this unexpected honour,” said York. “I will cherish this special recognition.”

In the Player Category, four individuals were elected.

Guy Carbonneau played 13 seasons with the Montreal Canadiens, winning the Selke Award as the NHL’s top defensive forward three times – in addition to Stanley Cups in 1986 and 1993. He also played five seasons with the Dallas Stars, winning another Stanley Cup in 1999.

“This is an honour you think about, but it’s never a sure thing,” said Carbonneau. “It is an incredible recognition and I thank the Selection Committee.”

Vaclav Nedomansky played 12 seasons professionally in Bratislava before becoming the first athlete from an Eastern European communist country to defect to North America to pursue a professional hockey career. He starred in the WHA with the Toronto Toros and Birmingham Bulls before joining the Detroit Red Wings as a 33-year-old rookie in 1977.

“I appreciate my accomplishments being recognized by the Hockey Hall of Fame,” said Nedomansky. “I’m proud to be the first player from a communist country to come and play in North America.”

Hayley Wickenheiser has played professionally in both men’s and women’s hockey, won seven Women’s World Championship gold medals, as well as four Olympic gold medals in 21 seasons as a member of Canada’s national team.

Sergei Zubov joined the New York Rangers in 1992 after playing four seasons with the Moscow Red Army. A member of the Rangers’ 1994 Stanley Cup team, Sergei also played 12 seasons with the Dallas Stars, winning a second Stanley Cup in 1999.

“Deep down in my heart I am so glad to receive this honour,” said Zubov. “It has been my pleasure to have been involved in hockey all of my life.”

NOTE: The 2019 Induction Celebration will be held on Monday, November 18th at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. For more information regarding the 2019 Induction Weekend/Celebration, visit http://www.hhof.com.

Create an Account

In order to leave a comment, please create an account.

About Kukla's Korner Hockey

Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.

From breaking news to in-depth stories around the league, KK Hockey is updated with fresh stories all day long and will bring you the latest news as quickly as possible.

Email Paul anytime at [email protected]

Most Recent Posts

Most Recent Comments

Comment by Paul in Kukla's Korner Hockey from the entry NHL Short Notes - 3 hours ago
Comment by Paul in Kukla's Korner Hockey from the entry NHL Short Notes - 3 hours ago
Comment by Steeb in Abel to Yzerman from the entry Quick Recap- Wings/Hurricanes - 4 hours ago
Comment by calquake in Abel to Yzerman from the entry Quick Recap- Wings/Hurricanes - 5 hours ago
Comment by StargateSG1 in Abel to Yzerman from the entry Quick Recap- Wings/Hurricanes - 5 hours ago