The Hockey HOF inducted its class of '17 last night, which included Bruins Owner JEREMY JACOBS, former NHLers PAUL KARIYA, TEEMU SELANNE, MARK RECCHI, DAVE ANDREYCHUK, former coach CLARE DRAKE and Canadian women's hockey player DANIELLE GOYETTE (ESPN.com, 11/13). In Boston, Kevin Paul Dupont notes Jacobs was introduced by NHL Commissioner GARY BETTMAN and "opened his brief acceptance speech by recognizing PEGGY, his wife of nearly 60 years." He noted behind "every successful man is a very surprised mother-in-law." Not "known for his humor, the stoic Jacobs succeeded in drawing the unexpected chuckle from a crowd dotted with many older Hall members" (BOSTON GLOBE, 11/14). In Buffalo, Mike Harrington notes Jacobs "saved his highest praise for his late father, LOUIS JACOBS." He said, "To say I'm blown away by the size and strength of today's franchises is an understatement. I cannot even imagine what my dad would have thought" (BUFFALO NEWS, 11/14). Bettman said Jacobs has been "committed to and at the forefront of every step our league has taken." Bettman: "His insights and counsel are rock solid, consistent and invaluable to me." In Boston, David Alter notes Jacobs, who has served as NHL BOG Chair the last 10 years, is "known around the league as the voice of the owners." Although he was "recognized for his past accomplishments yesterday, Jacobs likely will play another critical role in a standoff between players and owners" (BOSTON HERALD, 11/14).
WELL-DESERVED: In Toronto, Lance Hornby writes Selanne and Kariya were the "highlight of the seven-person class." One of the NHL's "friendliest players, Selanne missed no one in his speech" (TORONTO SUN, 11/14). In California, Eric Stephens writes Selanne and Kariya were the "headliners," as the two "made the Ducks relevant in their nascent period" (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 11/14). Meanwhile, Hornby notes former National Post and Edmonton Journal sportswriter CAM COLE was the "recipient of the Elmer Ferguson Award for hockey writing excellence." Late broadcaster DAVE STRADER was named the Foster Hewitt Award winner (TORONTO SUN, 11/14).
