It was a special night evening on Monday in Toronto as six new members were inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. The Class of 2018 was highlighted by legendary goalie Martin Brodeur, current NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and the NHL's first black player, Willie O'Ree.
Others enshrined included former Tampa Bay Lighting sparkplug Martin St. Louis, women's hockey standout Jayna Hefford and Russian hockey star Alexander Yakushev. Bettman and O'Ree were elected as builders while the rest of the class went in as players.
Brodeur is the NHL's all-time leader in goalie wins and shutouts. He won four Vezina Trophies and was a three-time Stanley Cup champion.
Brodeur also helped Canada win two Olympic gold medals. He was named one of the "100 Greatest NHL Players" in 2017.
Bettman has guided the NHL for 25 years, overseeing expansion from 24-31 teams and a growth of revenues to nearly $5 billion. Prior to joining the league, he was a vice president and executive counsel for the NBA.
In 2014, Bettman was named "Sports Executive of the Year" by SportsBusiness Journal and SportsBusiness Daily. In addition to the Hockey Hall honor, he is a member of the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.
O'Ree broke the NHL's color barrier when he joined the Boston Bruins in 1958. He had a lengthy career in the minor leagues and suited up for 45 NHL games.
O'Ree rejoined the NHL as an ambassador in 1996. He is a member of the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame and the Order of Canada.
St. Louis had a remarkable career journey, going from undrafted player to Hart Trophy winner. He was just the sixth undrafted player in NHL history to notch over 1,000 points.
St. Louis also was a two-time scoring champion who starred for the Lightning in their run to the 2004 Stanley Cup. That summer, he also skated for Canada as they won Olympic gold.
Hefford is just the sixth woman to go into the Hall. She dominated in international play for Canada, winning four Olympic gold medals and seven World Championships.
Hefford scored the game-winning goal in the gold medal game at the 2002 Olympics. Overall, she scored 157 goals and added 134 assists in 267 career games.
Yakushev was a star for the USSR at the height of their dominance. He won Olympic gold medals in 1972 and 1976.
Yakushev was also tied for the lead with seven goals at the 1972 Summit Series. He is a member of the International Ice Hockey Federation Hall of Fame.
To inquire about any Hockey Hall of Famer's speaking fee and appearance cost, contact the agents at Athlete Speakers by calling us at 800-916-6008 or by Starting Your Booking Request Now.
Willie O'Ree's Hockey Hall of Fame Speech:
