Jeff Doner
SPORTS EDITOR
As we approach the midpoint of the fifth decade without a Leafs Stanley Cup win, the Hockey Hall of Fame gave Torontonians a reason to be proud Monday night by inducting four familiar names into the illustrious hall, in what might be one of the best classes ever – for Toronto Maple Leafs fans at least.
Three of my favourite players of all-time, Joe Nieuwendyk, Doug “Killer” Gilmour, and Eddie “the Eagle” Belfour, graciously and emotionally solidified their history in the game by accepting the honour.
All three had in their storied careers donned a Maple Leafs sweater, with Gilmour the most prominent.
As a 26 year-old avid hockey fan, and Leafs fan at that, I couldn’t help but realize that all my hockey heroes from when I was a child are getting pretty long in the tooth.
It was nostalgic for this writer to watch clips of Gilmour dominate in the playoffs on his way to a Stanley Cup with the Flames, and then almost single-handedly carry the 1993 Leafs to the Western Conference finals.
Same for recapping some of the stellar goaltending from the surly Ed Belfour on his way to a Stanley Cup with the Dallas Stars in 1999.
Not to be forgotten was Belfour’s memorable first season in Toronto, where he broke the franchise single season record for goalie wins with 37.
Joe Nieuwendyk, who happens to be my favourite hockey player, might have the most impressive resume of all the inductees.
He won three Stanley Cups, with three different teams (Calgary Flames, Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils), in three different decades. He also won an Olympic gold medal in 2002 with team Canada. It is safe to say Nieuwendyk gathered a legion of fans over a 20-year career.
Even though he only spent one season in Toronto, most fans remember him for leading the Leafs over the Patrick Lalime led Ottawa Senators in the 2003-2004 playoffs, where he scored six goals in nine games.
The fourth inductee, never a Leaf, Mark Howe retired from the league after the 1994-1995 season. Despite being the son of hockey great Gordie Howe, Mark’s induction was based on a long, productive pro-hockey career.
As I look back on the careers of these four NHL athletes, I can definitely say it makes me reminisce about my childhood idols. If you were watching Monday night, I’m sure you could say the same thing.
In a town where fans haven’t seen a playoff game since 2004, Monday’s induction ceremony gave Leaf fans a reason to be proud. It reminded us of better times.