The Hockey Hall of Fame officially announced the 2017 class on Monday. Teemu Selanne, the brilliant former Winnipeg Jets and Anaheim Ducks forward; Paul Kariya, who was Selanne’s teammate with the Ducks and Avalanche, a point-per-game player whose career was cut short because of concussions; Dave Andreychuk, whose 640 career goals rank him 14th all-time; and Mark Recchi, whose 1,533 points ranks him 12th all-time.
Clare Drake and Boston Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs were named to the builder’s category. Women’s legend Danielle Goyette will also be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame this year. She won two Gold Medals for Team Canada during her career.
Teemu Selanne Notes: Selanne played in 1,451 games for four different teams across 21 seasons in the NHL. The forward is 11th overall in NHL history with 684 goals and is 15th overall in the league in points with 1,457 — putting him over a point-per-game pace for his career. Also to his name, Selanne has one Stanley Cup and a Calder Trophy from his rookie year in 1993, among other awards.
Paul Kariya Notes: Kariya had exactly 989 points in 989 games as he played for four teams across his 15-year NHL career. The forward had to retire in 2011 due to various concussions that plagued his career.
Mark Recchi Notes: Recchi has entered his fourth year of eligibility to become a member this year. Recchi’s 22-year NHL career culminated in 1,533 points in 1,652 across seven teams. The selection is a big deal for Recchi, as he was the only retired NHL player with at least 500 goals and 1,500 points to not have been selected for the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Andreychuk Notes: The left winger is one of the greatest in his position, as he posted 1,338 points in 1,639 games played over 23 years in the NHL. Andreychuk was in his ninth year of eligibility for the Hockey Hall of Fame. The selection is a big deal for Recchi, as he was the only retired NHL player with at least 500 goals and 1,500 points to not have been selected for the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Goyette Notes: Goyette is one of the greatest women’s hockey players, as she has three Olympic medals as a key part of Team Canada. She is also Canada’s all-time leading scorer in the IIHF World Championships, with 53 points in eight tournaments.
Drake Notes: Drake coached the University of Alberta’s hockey team for 28 years and came away with six University Cup championships. Jacobs is the current owner of the Boston Bruins and has been since 1975.