Quebecers Turgeon, Lacroix and Ouellette elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame

Henrik Lundqvist, Caroline Ouellette, Pierre Turgeon, Tom Barrasso and Mike Vernon have been elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

The Pantheon also opened its doors to Pierre Lacroix and Ken Hitchcock as builders.

The institution made the announcement in the middle of the afternoon on Wednesday.

A longtime New York Rangers star goaltender, Lundqvist was elected in his first year of eligibility. He helped the club reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2014.

Winner of the Vézina Trophy in 2012, he ranks sixth in league history with 459 wins — a peak among European goaltenders.

The Swede helped his country win Olympic gold in 2006.

Ouellette has helped the Canadian women win four Olympic gold medals (2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014).

Only Hayley Wickenheiser and Jayna Hefford have won so many Olympiad gold medals.

Originally from Montreal, Ouellette had been eligible for the Hall since last year.

Turgeon had 515 goals and 1327 points. A member of four star teams, he delivered nine campaigns of 30 or more goals, including one with the Montreal Canadiens, in 1995-1996.

Turgeon retired in 2007. A native of Rouyn-Noranda, he was the first pick in the 1987 draft.

“It’s been a wonderful adventure and a privilege,” said Turgeon. It’s crazy: it’s by playing hockey that I was able to earn my living. It is fabulous. And I still play. I still put on the skates twice a week, so much that I love hockey. »

Rookie of the year and winner of the Vézina in 1984, Barrasso notably shone with the Pittsburgh Penguins, signing four seasons of 27 or more wins with them.

Vernon made his mark with the Calgary Flames, winning 30 or more games in four out of five seasons, beginning in 1986-87.

He won the Cup with the Flames in 1989 and with the Detroit Red Wings in 1997.

Hitchcock captained five NHL clubs, winning the Stanley Cup with the Dallas Stars in 1999. He is fourth in NHL history with 849 wins.

“I started by coaching young people in minor hockey. To be here today, it’s almost impossible for me to realize it, Hitchcock said. When I got the call, I really didn’t expect it. It was a total shock. It’s an incredible honor. »

First working as a players’ agent, Lacroix was then the general manager of the Quebec Nordiques and the Colorado Avalanche. He saw Colorado win the cup in 1996 and 2001.

Lacroix died in 2020.

The induction ceremony will take place on November 13 in Toronto.

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