11/23/24
June 18, 2008
Larionov, Anderson lead Hall of Fame inductees: Igor Larionov and Glenn Anderson were both elected yesterday to the Hockey Hall of Fame as players. Joining them as members of the class of 2008 were long-time junior hockey executive Ed Chynoweth, who passed away this spring, and was chosen as a builder, and former linesman Ray Scapinello, who was elected in the referee-linesman category.
posted by tommytrump to hockey at 06:06 AM - 4 comments
The watering-down of the Hockey Hall of Fame continues. Larionov makes the Hall a better place, but Anderson? He's has some good numbers, but I still believe he's a product of the teams he played on more than his skill. I think this is a weak selection (but not as bad as Clark Gillies). If you are a fan of the "big hall", then this is a good selection. I'm upset that truly fantastic, game-changing players like Pavel Bure and Adam Oates are still on the outside looking in.
posted by grum@work at 09:35 AM on June 18, 2008
Also, big ups to Ray Scapinello, who was a hell of a linesman.
posted by chicobangs at 10:50 AM on June 18, 2008
Congratulations to all who made it into the hall. So I'm reading the article and the name Valerie Kamensky is mentioned as one who became eligible this year. Is he seriously a HOF candidate? I'm not knocking him at all, I know he won the cup with the Avs and had some quality seasons, but a Hall of Famer? Is there something I'm missing, or was that just a "for example" name of someone who retired at the right time?
posted by tahoemoj at 12:31 PM on June 18, 2008
Larionov was a lock, both for his on-ice accomplishments and for his work getting the Russians and the North Americans to play nice. Anderson I'm happy for. His induction wasn't a sure thing. He had the numbers and the longevity, but it does mean that now every person involved with the Oilers of the 1980s is now in the Hall, including the trainers, towel boys, parking lot attendants and Dave Semenko's barber. Congratulations ot both of them.