The 2011 Hockey Hall of Fame induction class is pretty stacked including, Ed Belfour, Joe Nieuwendyk, Doug Gilmour, and defenseman Mark Howe. As the son of Gordie it seems like there is some backlash from fans asking, how did he get in?

He played 22 professional hockey seasons, this isn’t the NHL Hall of Fame, and he did change positions from forward to defense. He was a +400 in his career with 742 points in 929 games played. He had 61 points in 101 playoff games and he was a +54 in those games. On some hockey statistical websites he is tied with Scott Niedermayer, if you didn’t see him play you might say that’s outlandish but it really does make sense when you examine his entire career.

“To get the call today kind of took my breath away,” he said. “Mike “Doc” Emerick was the Flyers announcer (1983-1993 in different positions) and he has been a big supporter.”

Howe, is actually the first Flyers defenseman to be inducted into the Hockey Hall and that’s a distinction for him as well. Again, being a son of a legend may have hurt his chances for a while but it was fitting for the Hockey Hall to finally open its doors to him.

“I’m still shaking. I never dreamt this would happen to me.”

Howe, never considered himself to be on the same level as his dad, or Wayne Gretzky or Bobby Orr but clearly, Joe Nieuwendyk, another inducted member thought he was pretty close.

“Mark's (Howe) hockey card was hard to collect as kids.”

If Mark has one regret about his career, he mentioned it yesterday.

Gordie once asked his son, “Why didn’t you grab that #9 out of the rafters and wear it for a game?” He was talking about the time Mark spent in Detroit. Mark answered, “Had I thought of it I would have done it.”

Eddie the Eagle Was a Lock After All

The Hockey Hall doesn’t vote in a lot of goaltenders but Ed Belfour really was a cut above the rest. He had an amazing career, won a Stanley Cup with the Dallas Stars in 1999, and racked up an eye popping 484 wins in the process. His career .906 save percentage, two Vezina’s, 5 all-star games and Calder Trophy really put him over the top.

“It was a dream come true to win the Stanley Cup….It was a real veteran team…It was a real close-knit team.”

Nieuwendyk Won Three Stanley Cups

Joe Nieuwendyk won three Stanley Cups in three different decades, 1989 Calgary (with Gilmour), 1999 Dallas (with Belfour), 2003 New Jersey; he’s one of only four players to do that. His numbers are impeccable and he’s starting to make his mark as the GM of the Dallas Stars but he never forgot about his one season that he played for the Leafs.

“It was one of the most enjoyable years of my career. I grew up in Southern Ontario as a Leafs fan.”

Back in 2003, right after the Devils won the Stanley Cup; I spotted Joe in the locker room just soaking the moment in and with little fanfare. He was a steady force that season helping the Devils to their Cup win yet the media wasn’t paying much attention to him. So I had a chance to talk to him and I was amazed how thankful and humble he was. He was one of those rare players who could soak it all in. That’s what he was doing and I was happy to be a part of that moment.

The Best Quote

The best quote might have come from Gilmour. He’s become a force in the OHL, and even though he was still in shock about his Hall nomination he is very proud about what he’s been able to accomplish over in Kingston.

“I came to Kingston as a coach and now I’m a GM. I enjoy it. We just want to see these kids grow.”

Check out induction weekend Nov 12-15, it’s quite special.

*photo by Feldman (L Gordie, Mark C, Marty R)