The 2023 class of inductees for the Hockey Hall of Fame have been announced, including some of the greatest goaltenders of all time.
The Hockey Hall of Fame has revealed its 2023 inductees, some of the most prominent figures in the sport. New York Rangers legend Henrik Lundqvist headlines the class going in on his first try. Lundqvist played in 887 games for the Rangers, winning 459 times.
He had a 2.43 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage. He won the Vezina Trophy in 2012 and was a finalist for the award four more times throughout his career. He was a five-time All-Star. He ranks sixth all-time in wins, 13th in save percentage and 17th in shutouts. He was generational goaltender.
Joining Lundqvist in the class are two of his goaltending peers, Tom Barrasso and Mike Vernon.
Barrasso won the Vezina Trophy as a rookie with the Buffalo Sabres in 1983-84. He also led the Pittsburgh Penguins to back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 1991 and 1992. He played 777 games over his career and finished with a 3.24 goals-against average, a.892 save percentage, and 38 shutouts.
Vernon won a Stanley Cup with the Calgary Flames in 1989 and another with the Detroit Red Wings in 1997. He played in 781 games and finished with a 2.98 goals-against average, a .887 save percentage, and 27 shutouts.
Pierre Turgeon and Caroline Ouellette were chosen as skaters. Turgeon was a skilled goal-scorer during his 19 seasons in the NHL. He scored 242 goals from 1988-89 to 1993-94, ranking eighth in that period. He consistently scored 20 or more goals and achieved 30 goals three more times. Throughout his career, Turgeon played for six teams and finished with 515 goals, 812 assists, and 1,327 points in 1,294 games.
Ouellette had a highly-decorated career with the Canadian women's national team, winning 10 gold medals between the Olympics and the World Championships. She also played 10 years in the NWHL and CWHL, recording 199 goals and 264 assists in that time.
Ken Hitchcock and Pierre Lacroix were also selected as builders. Hitchcock is the fourth-most-winning NHL coach, with 287 wins. He led the Dallas Stars to the Stanley Cup in 1998-99. He coached five NHL teams and made the playoffs 14 times in 22 years.
Lacroix was general manager of the Quebec Nordiques and Colorado Avalanche from 1994 to 2006. He won two Stanley Cups and eight division titles with the Avalanche. Lacroix, who died in 2020, will be inducted posthumously.
The class of 2023 is an impressive group of individuals who have made significant contributions to hockey. Lundqvist, Barrasso, Vernon, Turgeon, Ouellette, Hitchcock, and Lacroix have all left their mark on the sport. They've inspired countless fans and players. Congratulations to all of the inductees!
