'Good show' in emotional ceremony at 2016 Hockey Hall of Fame

TORONTO — They fought back tears in the Allen Lambert Galleria at Brookfield Place, it was to be expected on a night like this.

For any athlete, a hockey player in this case, being inducted into the Hall of Fame is a crowning achievement as well as a time of both celebration and reflection.

Emotions are always heightened on such an occasion.

In the most moving portion of the 2016 Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Kalli Quinn spoke on behalf of her father Pat in the cavernous hall just down the way from where he and the three other honoured members would now have their biographical sketches enshrined forever.

Quinn was posthumously inducted in the Builders category, his stellar coaching career was highlighted by an Olympic gold medal (2002), IIHF World Junior Championship (2009), World U-18 Championship (2008) and World Cup (2004). Domestically, in 20 NHL seasons he compiled a .556 winning percentage (684-528-188 record in 1,400 games), made the playoffs 15 times and reached the Stanley Cup Final twice, in 1980 and 1994, but came up just short of winning it all both times.

“I’m sure he would be looking down with a cigar in one hand, a drink in the other with that wonderful smile he had and a twinkle in his eye,” said Kalli of her late father, who coached the Flyers (1978-82), L.A. Kings (1984-87), Canucks (1990-96), Toronto Maple Leafs (1998-2006) and Edmonton Oilers (2009-10). “One of dad’s sayings was, ‘Listen to your heart, obey your passion and follow your dreams.’ He did just that.”

Quinn passed away at age 71 on Nov. 23, 2014, after a lengthy illness, almost two years to the day before his induction date.

The most poignant part of her speech was when she addressed former player and coach Rick Ley, who was in the audience. Ley and Quinn shared a close bond and he remains a close family friend of the Quinn family.

“There is no relationship that was more special to our family over the years than that of the Leys,” she said as her mother Sandra looked on from the audience, clutching a tissue in her hand. “Rick and dad played right here in Toronto in 1969 and remain family forever.”

Ley, who after playing with Quinn, was his assistant with the Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs, was deeply touched.

Kalli painted a picture of Quinn which contrasted his image as a staunch old-school thinker with that of an innovator, championing technological development, modernizing training and growing the game in new markets.

She explained that as a child, whenever she did something praiseworthy, he would say to her, “Good show.”

“Well dad, this is a biggie,” she said in closing. “So, good show.”

For former goalie Rogie Vachon,71, the honour came more than three decades after he became eligible in 1985. As humbled as he was, he regretted that it came too late for his wife of 45 years to see.

“This is going to be tough, I cannot finish without honouring a very special woman… I just lost my wife Nicole, I wish she could be here.” he said before casting his gaze downward, his voice quivering. “Sometimes it’s not fair, she should be here and it’s not going to happen…”

Nicole Vachon passed away in February, four months before Vachon received the news of his selection in June.

Vachon’s career spanned 16 seasons from 1966-82 with a storybook beginning in his home province of Quebec with the legendary Montreal Canadiens, where he won the Stanley Cup three times before being dealt to the L.A. Kings in 1972. With the Kings he set the franchise standard for goaltending and has only recently been surpassed in numerous team records by Jonathan Quick.

Interestingly one of the moments of levity was brought about by the most unlikely source.

Pioneering Russian winger Sergei Makarov, who helped make the NHL into a more global enterprise as part of the Soviet influx which began in the late 1980s, referenced the infamous “Makarov Rule” in his speech.

Makarov was 31 when he entered the league in 1989-90 and after netting 24 goals and 86 points, claimed the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year at the end of the season.

Normally reserved, he snickered when recounting how the rules were amended after he received the honour while also expressing how much it meant to him.

Igor Larionov was chosen to present Makarov with his biographical sketch. Larionov centred Makarov and Vladimir Krutov as part of one of the most feared line combinations ever assembled. The trio were known as the “KLM Line.”

“He was quiet, but he was loud on the ice, that’s how I’d describe him because he was leading by example,” said Larionov of his fellow countryman who was an acclaimed scorer in the Soviet League before coming to North America, a member of eight World Championship teams and a two-time Olympic gold medalist. “It’s a huge accomplishment, it’s a recognition that he is one of the best players ever that Russia produced and going into the Hall of Fame. It’s a bright day for Russian hockey and I am proud to be part of that.”

Larionov was inducted as part of the 2008 Hall of Fame class.

One of the questions that Eric Lindros faced from the media at Friday’s ring ceremony was if there would be a repeat performance of his tear-filled Hart Trophy acceptance speech in 1995. Lindros kept his composure this time around, but put a stirring bow on the evening by bringing his brother Brett on stage at the end of his speech.

Lindros had a prolific yet tumultuous career which lasted from 13 seasons from 1992-2007 and was shortened by injury. He retired in 2007 at age 34 due to concussion issues, but recorded an impressive 865 points in 760 games for an average of 1.14 points per-game which ranks 19th all-time.

“Brett played on the Island and we always had a dream of playing together and unfortunately it didn’t come through,” said Lindros with his younger brother in tears beside him. “I’d like to close this chapter in my life with you beside me.”

Brett, was selected ninth overall in 1994 by the New York Islanders but played only 51 games over two seasons before being forced to retire with concussion issues of his own in 1996.

Follow Neil Acharya on Twitter: @Neil_Acharya