The latest group of inductees for the Hockey Hall of Fame class of 2023 has been announced, with New York Rangers’ legend Henrik Lundqvist leading the way. Joining him are goaltending peers Tom Barrasso and Mike Vernon, along with players Pierre Turgeon and Caroline Ouellette. Ken Hitchcock and Pierre Lacroix will also be honored as builders.
Henrik Lundqvist, an iconic figure for the Rangers, played all of his 887 games for the team and established himself as one of the top goalies of his generation. In 2012, he earned the Vezina Trophy with a remarkable 1.97 GAA and .930 save percentage. Throughout his career, Lundqvist was a five-time All-Star, ranking sixth in all-time wins (459), 13th in save percentage (.918), and 17th in shutouts (64).
While Lundqvist never captured the Stanley Cup, his playoff performance was outstanding, maintaining a 2.30 GAA and .921 save percentage in 130 games.
Tom Barrasso claimed the Vezina Trophy in his rookie season (1983-84) with the Buffalo Sabres and finished as a runner-up the following year. He led the Pittsburgh Penguins to consecutive Stanley Cup victories in 1991 and 1992, spanning a career that lasted for ten more seasons. Barrasso accumulated a 3.24 GAA, .892 save percentage, and 38 shutouts across 777 games played.
Mike Vernon, like Barrasso, was a two-time Stanley Cup champion. He played an instrumental role in the Calgary Flames’ first-ever Cup win in 1989 and went on to secure another Cup as the starting goaltender for the Detroit Red Wings in 1997. Vernon’s stellar performance during his second Cup run showcased a remarkable 1.76 GAA and .927 save percentage. With five All-Star appearances, Vernon also earned a reputation for his feisty nature, particularly in battles against the Colorado Avalanche.
Pierre Turgeon enjoyed a lengthy 19-season career, known for his prowess as a goal-scorer. His prime years from 1988-89 to 1993-94 witnessed 242 goals, ranking eighth during that period. Even afterward, Turgeon remained a consistent 20-goal scorer and reached the 30-goal mark three more times. Representing six different franchises, he concluded his career with impressive totals of 515 goals, 812 assists, and 1,327 points in 1,294 games.
Caroline Ouellette achieved remarkable success with the Canadian women’s national team, accumulating 30 points in 20 Olympic games and 68 points in 59 World Championship Games. Ouellette amassed an impressive collection of 10 gold medals throughout her career, competing in both the Olympics and the World Championships. Her ten-year tenure in the NWHL and CWHL yielded 199 goals and 264 assists.
Ken Hitchcock, the fourth-winningest coach in NHL history, earned 849 victories over 22 seasons. He guided the Dallas Stars to their sole Stanley Cup in the 1998-99 season, reaching the Stanley Cup Final again the following year but falling short against the New Jersey Devils. Hitchcock’s coaching career spanned five different NHL teams, and he reached the playoffs in 14 of his 22 seasons.
Pierre Lacroix, who served as general manager for the Quebec Nordiques and Colorado Avalanche from 1994 to 2006, played a pivotal role in leading his franchise to the playoffs in every season. Lacroix masterminded two Stanley Cup-winning teams in 1995-96 and 2000-01 while securing eight division titles during his tenure. His induction will be a posthumous recognition, as Lacroix sadly passed away in 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hockey Hall of Fame class of 2023
Who are the inductees of the Hockey Hall of Fame class of 2023?
The inductees of the Hockey Hall of Fame class of 2023 are Henrik Lundqvist, Tom Barrasso, Mike Vernon, Pierre Turgeon, Caroline Ouellette, Ken Hitchcock, and Pierre Lacroix.
What are some notable achievements of Henrik Lundqvist?
Henrik Lundqvist, a legendary New York Rangers goaltender, was a five-time All-Star and ranked sixth all-time in wins, 13th in save percentage, and 17th in shutouts. He won the Vezina Trophy in 2012 and had an impressive playoff performance throughout his career.
Which teams did Tom Barrasso and Mike Vernon win Stanley Cups with?
Tom Barrasso won the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1991 and 1992, while Mike Vernon won it with the Calgary Flames in 1989 and the Detroit Red Wings in 1997.
What are some career highlights of Pierre Turgeon?
Pierre Turgeon was known for his goal-scoring abilities, scoring 242 goals from 1988-89 to 1993-94. He continued to be a consistent 20-goal scorer throughout his career and amassed a total of 515 goals, 812 assists, and 1,327 points in 1,294 games.
What are some notable accomplishments of Caroline Ouellette?
Caroline Ouellette had a highly successful career with the Canadian women’s national team, earning 10 gold medals in the Olympics and World Championships combined. She also recorded impressive statistics during her ten-year tenure in the NWHL and CWHL.
What are the notable coaching achievements of Ken Hitchcock?
Ken Hitchcock, the fourth-winningest coach in NHL history, led the Dallas Stars to their first Stanley Cup victory in 1998-99 and guided them to the Stanley Cup Final the following season. He reached the playoffs in 14 of his 22 seasons as a coach.
Who was Pierre Lacroix and what were his contributions?
Pierre Lacroix served as a general manager for the Quebec Nordiques and Colorado Avalanche, building two Stanley Cup championship teams and securing eight division titles. He played a crucial role in leading his franchise to consistent success before his passing in 2020.
More about Hockey Hall of Fame class of 2023
- Hockey Hall of Fame Official Website
- Henrik Lundqvist – NHL.com Player Profile
- Tom Barrasso – NHL.com Player Profile
- Mike Vernon – NHL.com Player Profile
- Pierre Turgeon – NHL.com Player Profile
- Caroline Ouellette – IIHF Player Profile
- Ken Hitchcock – NHL.com Coach Profile
- Pierre Lacroix – Wikipedia
4 comments
Lacroix, a builder of champions! He built two Cup-winning teams and kept da Avalanche in da playoffs every season. His legacy lives on. #LegacyBuilder
Hitchcock, a coaching genius! 14 playoffs in 22 years? Dat’s impressive! Led da Stars to a Cup and brought out da best in his players. #Respect
wow, dis is awesum! De Hockey Hall of Fame class of 2023 is lit! Lundqvist, Barrasso, Vernon, Turgeon, Ouellette, Hitchcock, and Lacroix all deserved dis recognition. #Legends
hockey hall of fame class of 2023 is super awesome! love seeing lundqvist, barrasso, vernon in there. they were such amazing goalies!!! can’t wait to celebrate their achievments!!!!