Joe Sakic - HHOF Inductee 2012

via http://thehockeyzone.webs.com/

The no-brainer pick for this year's class, Joe was bound for the HHOF the second he called it quits 3 summers ago. There are so many good things I can say about Super Joe, having been a lifelong Avalanche fan who grew up idolizing #19. Joe was one of the best leaders of all time, on and off the ice; he wasn't the biggest or loudest guy, but he stood up and lead his team when they needed him. He led the avs to 2 Stanley Cups, including one in the first year the team moved to Denver. The list of awards is superb: 2 Stanley Cups (1996, 2001), 1 Conn Smythe Trophy (1996), 1 Hart Trophy (2001), 1 Lady Byng Trophy (2001), 1 Lester B. Pearson Award (2001), 13 All-Star Game appearances, 1 All-Star Game MVP (2004), 1 Olympic Gold Medal (2002), 2002 Olympic MVP, 1 World Hockey Championship Gold (1994), 1 World Cup Gold (2004), 1 World Junior Gold (1988), and CHL and WHL Player of the Year (1988). He stands 9th alltime in points (1641), 11th in assists (1016), 14th in goals (625), 1st in All-Star Game assists (16), 3rd in All-Star Game points (22), 1st in Playoff OT Goals (8), 7th in Playoff Goals (84), 7th in Playoff Points (188 ) and 2nd in most single-playoff goals (18). Joe is one of 25 members of the Triple Gold Club, and exclusive group of players who have won the Stanley Cup, Olmypic Gold Medal and World Hockey Championship Gold (became the first Canadian along with Rob Blake and Brendan Shananhan to join the group). He was one of the best captains of all time, a player that any team would take with open arms; however he spent his entire 20-year career with the Avs/Nordiques Franchise. Joe was one of the most respected players in the NHL, he exemplifies every quality that is necessary to be inducted in the Hall of Fame. He was a big part in helping Ray Bourque win a Stanley Cup after 22 years, scoring the 3rd and final goal in a 3-1 win in the Stanley Cup Final game 7 (against New Jersey: 2001). As he was handed the cup by Bettman, he stared at Ray and didn't even hoist it as he handed it straight to him; one of the best and most respectful moments in NHL history (watch: http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-adnOYdqJg&feature=related). That video still gives me chills every time I watch it, seeing Joe pass it to Ray and how happy he was just shows the one of a kind character that Joe had. As an Avs fan, I have been waiting for this day ever since he retired and I couldn't be happier right now. Congrats Super Joe on making the HHOF, one of the greatest of all time!