2011 Hockey Hall Of Fame Inductees
The Hockey Hall of Fame is a well-known museum and shrine located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is dedicated to showcasing the history of ice hockey and is the ultimate goal for professional hockey players. Every year, the Hall of Fame inducts a new class of players, coaches, and builders who have made significant contributions to the game. The 2011 class of inductees was no exception.
Mark Messier
Mark Messier is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the NHL. He played for the Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers, and Vancouver Canucks over his 25-year career. Messier won six Stanley Cups and was awarded the Hart Trophy as the NHL's Most Valuable Player twice. He retired with the second-highest point total in NHL history and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.
Ed Belfour
Ed Belfour was a goaltender who played for the Chicago Blackhawks, San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Florida Panthers over his 17-year career. Belfour won two Vezina Trophies as the NHL's top goaltender and was a two-time Stanley Cup champion. He retired with the third-most wins in NHL history and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in his second year of eligibility.
Doug Gilmour
Doug Gilmour was a center who played for the St. Louis Blues, Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, Chicago Blackhawks, and Buffalo Sabres over his 20-year career. Gilmour won one Stanley Cup and was a two-time winner of the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the NHL's top defensive forward. He retired with the 18th most points in NHL history and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in his fifth year of eligibility.
Joe Nieuwendyk
Joe Nieuwendyk was a center who played for the Calgary Flames, Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Florida Panthers over his 20-year career. Nieuwendyk won three Stanley Cups and was a two-time winner of the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the NHL's top defensive forward. He retired with over 1,100 points and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.
Angela James
Angela James was a women's hockey player who played for the Canadian women's hockey team. James won four World Championships and two Olympic gold medals in her career. She was the first black player, male or female, to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Cammi Granato
Cammi Granato was also a women's hockey player who played for the United States women's hockey team. Granato won one World Championship and one Olympic gold medal in her career. She was the first woman to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Conclusion
The 2011 Hockey Hall of Fame inductees were a diverse group of players who all made significant contributions to the game of hockey. From Mark Messier, one of the greatest NHL players of all time, to Angela James and Cammi Granato, trailblazers for women's hockey, the class of 2011 showcased the many different facets of the sport. These players will forever be remembered for their achievements and the impact they had on the game of hockey.