It is the ultimate consecration. The one hockey players don’t even dare to dream of. The one that is reserved for the cream of the crop, the legends. Kim St-Pierre is now officially part of it. She was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on Monday night.
It’s been a year and a half since Kim St-Pierre received a call from Lanny McDonald announcing his entry into the Hockey Hall of Fame, in the middle of a family golf session. The pandemic, true to its habit, postponed the induction ceremony of the 2020 vintage by a year, so much so that it did not finally take place until Monday evening, at Meridian Hall in Toronto.
The wait will certainly have been worth it. At 42, St-Pierre became the first goaltender to be inducted. The second Quebecer, at the same time. And the eighth wife. She was also accompanied by the other members of the cuvée: Jarome Iginla, Kevin Lowe, Doug Wilson, Marian Hossa and Ken Holland.
It was Danielle Goyette, inducted in 2017, who presented St-Pierre with his official Temple plaque on the stage. The native of Châteauguay then gave a moving speech in front of family, friends and former teammates, all present in the room for the occasion.
“The first time I wore my goalie pads, women’s hockey was far from being an Olympic sport,” she said at the start. to see my sport grow. I have dedicated a large part of my life to hockey, which has given me everything in return. Tonight is a huge honor for me.
“I grew up playing hockey in Chateauguay, Quebec. As a little girl, I only wanted to play the sport I loved. Putting on the leggings made me feel special. “
Yes I was different and yes I faced adversity but I wouldn’t change a thing in my story. The boys on my team always made me feel like I belonged.
Kim St-Pierre
Kim St-Pierre no longer needs an introduction. His exploits are well known: 13 years with the Canadian team, from 1998 to 2011, three Olympic gold medals, five more in the World Championship, and it continues. The Quebecer has twice won the Clarkson Cup with the Montreal Stars. In 2008, she took part in a Canadian training to replace Carey Price. Do you want successes? Here’s.
In her speech, the immortal hockey news thanked many people who have had an impact in her career, starting with Manon Rhéaume.
“To see Manon Rhéaume play for [le Lightning de] Tampa Bay in 1992 changed everything for me. Manon broke so many barriers in the hockey world and inspired so many players. She helped me believe that I too could achieve my dream of one day, maybe, playing for the Montreal Canadiens. ”
She then approached Dan Madden, former general manager of the McGill Martlets, who offered to join the team in 1998. At the time, St-Pierre was about to hang up his skates…
“I won’t lie: I was a little scared, but it was ultimately the decision that changed my life. I met amazing people, studied at a great college, and transferred to women’s hockey. ”
St-Pierre also thanked Danièle Sauvageau, Hockey Canada and her former teammates with the national team such as Caroline Ouellette, Marie-Philip Poulin and Mélodie Daoust, who had all come to Toronto to attend the event. Filmed by TSN, presenter of the event, the players seemed moved for their ex-teammate and friend.
The ex-babysitter then addressed her family members, one by one, before concluding by looking at her two sons, Liam and Ayden.
“Liam, it’s time to listen,” she said to the elder, distracted by what was going on around him, which triggered laughter from the audience.
“A lot of times when they go to bed they ask me to tell them stories about my experiences with Hockey Canada,” continued St-Pierre. To see the stars in their eyes is priceless. Liam and Ayden, as dad would say, don’t let anyone get between you and your dreams. I love you. ”
A professional women’s league
At the end of the speech, Kim St-Pierre delivered a poignant message to young hockey players who dream of one day making their place in hockey.
“I want to express my admiration to all the women in the world of sport who break down barriers in so many different roles. Your determination and your accomplishments give us the motivation to work harder and keep moving forward. […] We have the power to do anything. But now it’s our responsibility to make sure that women’s hockey continues to grow. We all dream of a professional women’s league. And now, it’s time to make it happen.
“At the Hall of Fame, thank you for making this evening so special in my life and for teaching the young women watching us tonight that the impossible does not exist and that they can be change. That hockey is for everyone. Write your own story and realize your own version of greatness. ”
Kevin Lowe also inducted
PHOTO DAVE SANDFORD / HHOF, FROM TWITTER ACCOUNT @HOCKEYHALLFAME
Kevin Lowe and Mark Messier
Former defenseman from Lachute Kevin Lowe also delivered a touching speech tinged with humor. “I grew up 60 minutes by car from the Montreal Forum, which has seen great players like Henri Richard, Dickie Moore, Jean Béliveau, Guy Lafleur, he stressed in particular. My mother Jessie, who passed away two years ago, was my biggest fan. She adored Jean Béliveau. He was a great hockey player, but she loved the fact that he was such a beautiful person even more. So I wanted to become Jean Béliveau. Lowe was the first draft pick in Edmonton Oilers history in 1979. In 19 seasons in the Big League, he played 1,254 season games and won 6 Stanley Cups. The former Quebec Remparts in the QMJHL was the sixth captain in Oilers history.