Hockey Hall of Fame Announces 2016 Inductees

The 2016 Hockey Hall of Fame inductees are Pat Quinn, Eric Lindros, Sergei Makarov and Rogie Vachon.

The late Pat Quinn will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in the Builder Category for his work as a Head Coach and General Manager.

“This is a huge honor for the family and still surreal,” said Kalli Quinn, Pat’s daughter.

He began his coaching career as an Assistant Coach for the Philadelphia Flyers in 1977-78. He was the Head Coach of the Flyers for four seasons (1979-1982). Quinn helped to led the Flyers to the longest Undefeated Streak in One Season (35 games) in 1979-80. He won the Jack Adams Award, as the League’s best coach, twice during his coaching career.

He led the Flyers to the Stanley Cup Final in 1980, and the Vancouver Canucks there in 1994. He was the General Manager for the Toronto Maple Leafs (1999-2003) and the Canucks (1987-1997). He was the Head Coach of Team Canada at two Olympic Games, helping them to win the Gold Medal in 2002. Quinn won the World Cup of Hockey with Team Canada in 2004. Quinn was a Member of the Hockey Hall of Fame Committee from 1998-2013.

After seven summers of waiting for an announcement that he will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, Eric Lindros will not have to wait another, just until November, to be inducted.

“It’s a special honor and I haven’t stopped smiling,” said Lindros.

Lindros played eight seasons with the Flyers from 1992-2000, and he was the Captain of the team from 1994-2000. He was the fourth fastest player in NHL history to reach 300 & 400 career points. Lindros was the fifth fastest player in NHL history to reach 500 points.  In his career he played, 760 games, had 372 goals, 493 assists and 865 points.

Lindros’ career was cut short due to concussions. There were the public feuds on and off the ice between his parents and General Manager Bob Clarke. Lindros changed the game of hockey by being a power forward who had both size and speed, which he used to his advantage. Lindros was a part of the 2002 Canadian Team that won the Gold Medal and was coached by Pat Quinn.

“Pat was old school, and he knew which buttons to press to get players going,” said Lindros.

Sergei Makarov started his career in Russia in the Soviet League where he led the Soviet League in scoring for nine seasons. Makarov won eight World Championship Gold Medals between 1978-1990. He was a member of the famed ‘KLM’ line which also included Vladimir Krutov and Igor Larinov. He was drafted by the Calgary Flames in 1983 and captured the Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year in 1990 at the age of 31. He was the reason behind an age restriction being placed on future Calder Trophy winners.

“It will be so nice to join all of those great players,” said Makarov.

If you think Lindros waiting seven summer has been tough, trying being Rogie Vachon, who has been waiting 31 years for the call to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

“Its an incredible surprise. I’m still in shock,” said Vachon.

Rogie Vachon played for the Montreal Canadiens  during the 1966-67 season and played six seasons. He won three Stanley Cup while with the Canadiens (1968, 1969, 1971).

“I was lucky to play for the Montreal Canadiens at the start of my career,” said Vachon. “My first shot on net was a breakaway by Gordie Howe. I stopped it and it kept me in the league for 16 more years.”

He was traded to the Los Angeles Kings where he played the next seven seasons. Vachon set eight different Kings records including wins (171), shutouts (32) and lowers goals against in one season (2.24). He played in three All- Star Games and played two seasons with the Detroit Red Wings.

Vachon never allowed a goal on a penalty shot. He ranks 17th all-time among goaltenders in NHL history with 355 wins. During his NHL career, he played in 795 games while compiling a record of 355-291-127. He also had 51 shutouts to go with a 2.99 goals against average. Vachon was the Kings’ goalie coach for two seasons (1982-84) and later the team’s general manager from 1984-1993.

The Hockey Hall of Fame induction will take place on November 14, 2016 in Toronto.