Over Looked Hockey Veteran, Rogie Vachon

Once again I read the 2014 induction list for the Hockey Hall of Fame and once again his name is not there.

He is an over looked veteran of the game. A retired French Canadian goalie who played from 1966 to 1982. He stopped pucks from the greatest hockey players of all times but yet, has never got his name into the famous hall.

He has won the Vezina Trophy, played twice on the NHL All Star Team and stopped pucks for the Canada Cup All Star Team four times. Born and raised in Quebec, Canada in 1945, his future was to be goalie to some of the best teams in the league. He played  for the Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings and yes, the Montreal Canadiens.

He retired in the 1981-82 season. But like all great hockey players he couldn’t leave the ice for long. He returned to the Kings in 1984 as the general manager, coach and the chief hockey operating manager. What else can a goalie do after retirement but land an office job! In 1985 the Kings honored him and his work, by retiring his number.

To me, it is awful that he is not inducted sooner. Did he not kiss the right baby or shake the right hand last Christmas? Did he get anyone mad enough to get himself kicked off the list for years? Have I missed something, cause I feel like I have? He seems to have the points, the ambition and the ‘retiring office’ part done but yet, he is still an outsider to the great hall of fame.

Do you know who he is yet?

His name is Rogatien (Rogie) Vachon. I hope he gets his place in the famous Canadian Hockey Hall of Fame, which he deserves. I also hope it is sooner than later! Lets get his name into the hall before he passes away or he gets to old to care.

So, the Canadian Hockey Hall of Fame, the next move is yours.