Yesterday, the Hockey Hall of Fame presented the 2020 induction class. Canadian forward Jarome Iginla and Slovakian forward Marian Hossa have been named first-ballot inductees. Other people elected this year include defensemen Kevin Lowe and Doug Wilson. Kim St-Pierre became the first first woman goaltender inducted in the Hall of Fame. Edmonton Oilers general manager Ken Holland joined the class of 2020 in the builder category.
Introducing the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Induction Class of 2020 >> https://t.co/Vz4bPmNRDw#HHOF2020 | #HHOF pic.twitter.com/WQbzQqVZ8A
— Hockey Hall of Fame (@HockeyHallFame) June 24, 2020
Iginla is the fourth Black player inducted to the Hall of Fame, joining Grant Fuhr, Angela James, and Willie O’Ree. After being selected number 11 in the first round of the 1995 NHL Entry Draft, he spent 20 seasons in the NHL, recording 1300 (625 + 675) points in 1554 games and winning several awards, including the Maurice Richard and Art Ross trophies during the 2001-02 season and securing his second Maurice Richard Trophy two years later during the 2003-04 season. He also won two Olympic Gold medals in 2002 and in 2010, where he had the primary assist on Sidney Crosby’s Golden Goal.
Marian Hossa played 1309 games in the NHL, recording 1134 (525 + 609) points. Despite not winning a lot of individual prize,s he achieved something what Iginla coudn’t do – winning the Stanley Cup three times with the Chicago Blackhawks while being an important part of the team. The end of Hossa’s career was spoiled by a skin disorder. He announced his retirement in 2018.
While Iginla and Hossa’s candidatures were taken as deserved, some people expressed their confusion with electing Kevin Lowe at the same time when such players as Alex Mogilny, Daniel Alfredsson, or Jennifer Botterill weren’t inducted.
15 active NHL defencemen have more points than Kevin Lowe, all in fewer GP except one, and Lowe played for the 1980s Oilers.
— Bonk’s Mullet (@BonksMullet) June 24, 2020
I would need someone to convince me that Kevin Lowe, who was very good but never made a postseason All-Star team, is a Hall of Fame defenseman.
— Scott Cullen (@ByScottCullen) June 24, 2020
Alex Mogilny’s career > Kevin Lowe’s career
— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) June 24, 2020
You can learn more about Kim St-Pierre’s career by reading an article from our colleague at the Ice Garden.
In her Olympic debut in 2002 in Salt Lake City, she had a .936 save percentage for the four games she played and a 1.25 goals against average. There she was named best goaltender of the tournament and to the All-Star Team. She was twice named the Best Goaltenders at the World Championships. St-Pierre the record holder for Team Canada for most appearances in net at 89 and most wins at 64.
Other News and Notes
According to Tampa Bay Lightning beat writer Bryan Burns, the team has re-opened their training facility. It was closed on Friday, when two three players and two staff members returned positive tests for COVID-19.
Can confirm both Lightning training facilities reopened today to continue Phase 2 voluntary workouts. The Lightning closed their facilities Friday.
— Bryan Burns (@BBurnsNHL) June 24, 2020
Per the Athletic’s Joe Smith, Russian forward Alex Volkov has been cleared after quarantine following his return from Russia and will join the team during Phase 2.
#tblightning prospect Alex Volkov among players who arrived from overseas (Russia) and been cleared after mandated quarantine. Ready to join team for Phase 2 when facility re-opens. ICYMI Tampa’s projected taxi squad here (Joseph has already been w/team) https://t.co/MxCe68A3e7
— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithTB) June 24, 2020
Some Finnish NHL players are renting a plane to return to North America while most commercial flights with Europe are cancelled.
Finnish NHL players are renting their own plane and flying back to North America (New York to be exact) on Friday.
So I guess they’re serious about returning to play at some point.https://t.co/3IedVaBAbf
— Jokke Nevalainen (@JokkeNevalainen) June 24, 2020
