Hockey Hall of Fame announces 2020 inductees
Despite the National Hockey League being still yet to resume play due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is business as usual for the Hockey Hall of Fame which is already starting to prepare for the 2020 induction ceremony. The ceremony is currently scheduled for November 16th, but that could still change depending on the situation regarding the pandemic.
On Wednesday, the Hall of Fame finally made the announcement that many had been eagerly anticipating – who was going to be part of the Class of 2020. After waiting a combined 43 years, both Doug Wilson and Kevin Lowe got the news that they had been dreaming about since they retired, they would be inducted into hockey’s most prestigious club.
“It was truly unexpected,” Wilson said according to TSN. “Pleasant shock is an understatement.”
Lowe, was equally as surprised but just as happy nonetheless. “I think I perhaps represent the next level of guys who helped win championships,” Lowe said. “I appreciate that my contributions to the teams I played on are being recognized this way.”
While both Lowe and Wilson waited the longest, they were not the only inductees to be included in the Class of 2020. The other two players who got the call that they would also be inducted under the men’s player category were Jarome Iginla and Marian Hossa. Both players were elected in their first year of eligibility.
On Wednesday, Iginla also made history by becoming the first black skater (non-goalie) to be elected into the Hockey Hall of Fame. “I didn’t view myself in minor hockey as a black hockey player,” Iginla said via TSN. “But I was also aware that I was.” Iginla spent the first 18 years of his NHL career playing for the Calgary Flames before ultimately moving on to play for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche and Los Angeles Kings.
The Hockey Hall of Fame also announced that Canadian goaltending legend Kim St. Pierre would be inducted in the women’s player category and Ken Holland would be inducted under the builder category.
St. Pierre was Canada’s international goalie from 1998-2011, winning three Olympic Gold medals for the nation and going undefeated in Olympic competition with an 8-0-0 record.
“Hockey has always been my passion and this is a very special honour,” St. Pierre said. “When I was growing up, it was only boys and when that changed, my dream was able to come true.”
Holland, was an integral part of the Detroit Red Wings for nearly three decades, winning four Stanley Cups with the club – three as general manager. During his time in Detroit, no team in the entire NHL won more regular season or playoff games than the Red Wings.
“I am in this game because I loved it as a young man,” Holland said via TSN, “and I am happy to have been able to stay in the game.”
This was the first time in history that the 18-member selection committee met to discuss and elect inductees virtually. The process clearly wasn’t too much of a hindrance though.
