1979 Hockey Hall Of Fame Inductees
Hockey is a beloved sport in many countries, but it holds a special place in the hearts of Canadians. The Hockey Hall of Fame, located in Toronto, is a national shrine dedicated to the sport of ice hockey. It was established in 1943 and has since inducted over 400 players, coaches, referees, and builders who have contributed significantly to the game.
Who Were the 1979 Hockey Hall of Fame Inductees?
The Hockey Hall of Fame inducted four players in 1979. Here's a brief overview of each of them:
1. Sid Abel
Sid Abel played for the Detroit Red Wings from 1938 to 1952 and won three Stanley Cups with the team. He also won the Hart Trophy in 1949 as the league's most valuable player. After his playing career, Abel became a coach and led the Red Wings to another Stanley Cup victory in 1957.
2. Bobby Hull
Bobby Hull, also known as "The Golden Jet," played for the Chicago Blackhawks from 1957 to 1972 and the Winnipeg Jets from 1972 to 1980. He won the Hart Trophy twice and the Art Ross Trophy three times. Hull was known for his incredible speed and powerful slapshot, which made him one of the greatest goal scorers in NHL history.
3. Bill Hay
Bill Hay played for the Chicago Blackhawks from 1958 to 1967 and won a Stanley Cup with the team in 1961. After his playing career, Hay became an administrator and served as the president of Hockey Canada from 1990 to 1994. He was also the chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame from 1998 to 2013.
4. Doug Harvey
Doug Harvey played for the Montreal Canadiens from 1947 to 1961 and won six Stanley Cups with the team. He won the Norris Trophy as the league's best defenseman seven times and was known for his excellent skating and passing abilities. Harvey was one of the first defensemen to play an offensive role and paved the way for future players in the position.
Why Were These Players Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame?
The Hockey Hall of Fame chooses its inductees based on their contributions to the sport of ice hockey. Players must have played at least 100 NHL games and be retired for at least three years before they can be considered for induction. Coaches, referees, and builders must have made significant contributions to the sport to be considered.
Sid Abel, Bobby Hull, Bill Hay, and Doug Harvey were all exceptional players in their time and had a significant impact on the game of hockey. Abel was a skilled player and coach who helped lead the Red Wings to multiple Stanley Cup victories. Hull was known for his incredible speed and goal-scoring abilities, which made him one of the greatest players of all time. Hay was a talented player who went on to become an influential administrator in hockey, while Harvey revolutionized the way defensemen played the game.
Conclusion
The 1979 Hockey Hall of Fame inductees were all exceptional players who contributed significantly to the sport of ice hockey. Sid Abel, Bobby Hull, Bill Hay, and Doug Harvey will forever be remembered as some of the greatest players in NHL history, and their induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame is a testament to their incredible talent and dedication to the game.