By Neil Becker
Getting that congratulatory call from the Hockey Hall of Fame is an emotional moment that often leaves former players speechless and teary-eyed. Every November, a maximum of four male players, two female players, two builders, and one referee or linesman are inducted into the Hall, located in Toronto, Ontario.
Induction weekend is a celebration for fans and players alike, featuring interactive exhibits, autograph signings, and stories shared by the inductees. The highlight is the Monday night ceremony in the historic Esso Great Hall, where inductees pose with their plaques and deliver heartfelt speeches, often bringing the audience to tears and laughter.
This past November, Jeremy Roenick, after waiting 12 years, finally received his due recognition. However, debates about overlooked players continue. Here are five more names that deserve a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
1. Alexander Mogilny
In his 17-year NHL career, Alexander Mogilny played 990 games, scoring 473 goals and 1,032 points with a +81 rating. Drafted 89th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in 1988, Mogilny made history as the first Russian player to defect to the NHL.
Mogilny’s resume includes six NHL All-Star selections, two Second NHL All-Star Team honors, and the Lady Byng Trophy in 2003. In 1993, he tied Teemu Selanne for the league lead with 76 goals and set a record with 11 game-winning goals. Mogilny also won a Stanley Cup with the New Jersey Devils in 2000 and is a member of the prestigious Triple Gold Club.
His impact goes beyond stats; Mogilny paved the way for future Russian players, becoming the first Russian NHL captain and a trailblazer for international hockey. He was inducted into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame in 2016. The next stop should be the Hockey Hall of Fame.
2. Rod Brind’Amour
Known as “Rod the Bod,” Brind’Amour enjoyed an exceptional 21-year career, amassing 452 goals and 1,184 points in 1,484 games with the St. Louis Blues, Philadelphia Flyers, and Carolina Hurricanes.
Brind’Amour won two Selke Trophies (2006, 2007) and captained the Hurricanes to their first Stanley Cup in 2006. During his time with the Flyers, he set a franchise record by playing 484 consecutive games and ranked in the top 10 in assists, goals, and points in team history.
One of his most memorable moments came in the 1997 playoffs when he scored two shorthanded goals on the same Penguins power play. After retiring in 2010, the Hurricanes retired his #17 jersey, and he transitioned into coaching, becoming their head coach in 2018. Brind’Amour was inducted into the Flyers Hall of Fame in 2015 and deserves a place in Toronto next.
3. Curtis Joseph
Curtis “Cujo” Joseph went undrafted but carved out an incredible 19-year NHL career. Playing 943 games with teams including the St. Louis Blues, Edmonton Oilers, and Toronto Maple Leafs, Joseph recorded 454 wins (7th all-time) and 51 shutouts.
Joseph holds the record for most playoff wins by a goalie who never won a Stanley Cup and was a two-time NHL All-Star. He also won the King Clancy Memorial Trophy in 2000 and led the league in saves for three consecutive seasons (1991-94).
On the international stage, Joseph represented Canada at the 2002 Winter Olympics, winning gold, and the 1996 World Cup of Hockey. He will be inducted into the St. Louis Blues Hall of Fame in 2025, but his achievements warrant Hockey Hall of Fame recognition.
4. Jennifer Botterill
Jennifer Botterill’s 14-year career with Team Canada saw her play 184 games, scoring 65 goals and 174 points. She helped Canada win three Olympic gold medals (2002, 2006, 2010) and one silver (1998).
Botterill also contributed to five IIHF World Championship golds (1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2007). In college hockey, she was a standout at Harvard University, scoring 149 goals and 319 points and becoming the only two-time winner of the Patty Kazmaier Award for the best women’s collegiate player.
Botterill’s impact on women’s hockey is undeniable, and her next honor should be induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
5. Vicky Sunohara
Vicky Sunohara represented Canada from 1989 to 2008, winning two Olympic gold medals (2002, 2006) and one silver (1998). At the IIHF World Championships, she earned seven gold medals and one silver, producing 41 points in 40 games.
Sunohara’s dominance began in high school, leading to a scholarship at Northeastern University, where she scored 78 goals in 45 games and won ECAC Rookie of the Year. She later won two championships with the University of Toronto.
In 2011, Sunohara became head coach of the University of Toronto Varsity Blues women’s hockey team. Her contributions have earned her induction into the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame and other honors. The Hockey Hall of Fame should be next.
Conclusion
The Hockey Hall of Fame is not just a shrine to the greats but a place where hockey debates thrive. Discussions about who belongs in the Hall are a beloved part of being a fan. Let the debates continue over players like Mogilny, Brind’Amour, Joseph, Botterill, and Sunohara—all legends deserving of this ultimate honor.