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Legends of Hockey - Induction Showcase - Press Release
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Hockey Hall of Fame Logo Hockey Hall of Fame Announces 2002 Inductees


Bernie Federko
TORONTO (June 19, 2001) -- Jim Gregory, Chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame Selection Committee, announced today that former NHL greats Bernie Federko, Clark Gillies and Rod Langway have been elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in the Player Category, and Roger Neilson has been elected in the Builder Category. The vote was made today at the annual meeting of the Selection Committee in Toronto.

"The Hockey Hall of Fame is proud to welcome Bernie, Clark, Rod, and Roger as Honoured Members," said Jim Gregory. "Their contributions to the game of hockey are well documented and their election to the Hall of Fame is richly deserved."

A native of Foam Lake, Saskatchewan, Bernie Federko starred for the St. Louis Blues for thirteen NHL seasons beginning with the 1976-77 season. Federko was a key component of one of the NHL's most productive lines centering Wayne Babych and Brian Sutter. Federko recorded four 100-point NHL seasons and on March 19, 1988 became only the 22nd player in NHL history to reach the 1,000 point plateau.

"Every player dreams of winning a Stanley Cup and being recognized by the Hockey Hall of Fame," said Federko. "I am thrilled that I am able to accomplish one of my lifetime goals."

Clark Gillies
Clark Gillies was a stalwart for the New York Islanders beginning with his selection fourth overall in the NHL's 1974 Entry Draft. In 12 seasons with the Islanders, Gillies scored 30 or more regular season goals six times. Gillies was a key component of the Islanders four-time Stanley Cup Championship teams as a linemate of Bryan Trottier and Mike Bossy.

"I am very proud of my accomplishments as a New York Islander," said Gillies. "Hockey is a team game and I am thrilled to be joining my former Islander teammates in the Hockey Hall of Fame."

Rod Langway
Rod Langway grew up in Randolph, Massachusetts and began his professional career as a member of the Birmingham Bulls in 1977. Langway began his NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens in 1978, and earned a Stanley Cup championship with Montreal in his first season. After a 1982 trade to the Washington Capitals, Langway went on to win the Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenceman in 1983 and 1984. A member of the of the United States Canada Cup teams in 1981, 1984 and 1987, Langway served as the captain of the Washington Capitals from 1982 until 1993.

"As a player who didn't rack up offensive numbers during my NHL career, I am honoured to be recognized by the Hall of Fame Selection Committee for my 'old school' contributions - in the manner of Bill White or Doug Harvey," said Langway. "As a defensive specialist, I am particularly gratified for this recognition."

Roger Neilson
In the Builder Category, Roger Neilson was elected in recognition of his outstanding contributions to hockey. A career coach, Neilson is known for his innovation and dedication to the game. Neilson's coaching career began in 1966 with the Peterborough Petes of the OHA. He began his career in the NHL ranks in 1977 with the Toronto Maple Leafs and went on to be head coach for eight NHL teams. Roger has also served as assistant coach for four NHL teams, a position he holds today with the Ottawa Senators.

"It was very exciting and unexpected to receive a call today from Jim Gregory telling me of this decision," said Neilson. "It is a great honour and I very much appreciate the recognition from the hockey community."

In addition, Kevin Dupont from the Boston Globe was selected as the Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award recipient for his contributions to print media, as voted by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association. Gilles Tremblay from La Soiree du Hockey in Montreal was selected as the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award in recognition of his work on NHL broadcasts, by the NHL Professional Broadcasters' Association

This will mark the 10th Anniversary of the Induction Celebration since the Hockey Hall of Fame moved to BCE Place in June 1993. The Hall will celebrate this milestone through many exciting events planned for the Induction Weekend, November 1-3, 2002.

The 2002 Induction Celebration will be held on Monday, November 4th at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

The Hockey Hall of Fame Selection Committee consists of 18 individuals appointed by the Board of Directors, whose mandate is to nominate and elect candidates as Honoured Members in the Player, Builder and Referee/Linesman categories. Player and Referee/Linesman candidates must have concluded their respective playing or officiating careers for a minimum of three playing seasons. First year eligible players are those that retired after the 1998-99 season.

Gala ticket price: $300 EA.
To order tickets call: (416) 360-7735

Bernie Federko
  • Born May 12, 1956 in Foam Lake, Saskatchewan.
  • Starred in the local amateur League's before joining the Saskatoon Blades of the Western Canada Hockey League.
  • His finest year was 1975-76 when he broke Bobby Clarke's WCHL League record for points with 72 goals and 115 assists.
  • Named the 1975-76 WCHL MVP and named to the First All-Star Team.
  • St. Louis made him the seventh player chosen in the 1976 NHL Amateur Draft.
  • Spent most of the 1976-77 season in Kansas City and won the Ken McKenzie Trophy as the Central Hockey League's Rookie of the Year.
  • Named to the CHL Second All-Star Team (1977).
  • Recorded his first of four 100-point seasons in 1980-81.
  • Federko formed one of the NHL's most productive forward lines with Wayne Babych and Brian Sutter.
  • Topped the 90-point mark during the NHL regular season seven times.
  • Participated in two NHL All-Star games (1980, 1981).
  • Leading scorer for the St. Louis Blues nine times.
  • In 1985-86, Federko led all playoff scorers (7 goals, 14 assists, 21 points in 19 games) when St. Louis came within a game of reaching the Stanley Cup finals.
  • In 1986-87, he scored his 293rd career goal for St. Louis to pass Garry Unger as the franchise's all-time leader.
  • Succeeded Brian Sutter as the Blues' captain in 1988-89.
  • On March 19, 1988, the veteran forward became the 22nd player in League history to reach the 1,000-point plateau.
  • First player in NHL history to record at least 50 assists in 10 consecutive seasons (1979 to 1988).
  • Upon his retirement in 1990, he was the Blues' career leader in goals, assists, points, games played, and seasons of service.
  • Recorded NHL regular season totals of 1000 games played, 369 goals, 761 assists, 1,130 points over 14 seasons.
  • Recorded NHL playoff totals of 91 games played, 35 goals, 66 assists, 101 points.
  • On March 16, 1991, his number "24" was retired by the St. Louis Blues.
  • Married to wife Bernadette and has three children, Jordan, Dustin and Drew.
  • Currently working as a TV colour analyst for the St. Louis Blues.
Clark Gillies
  • Born April 7, 1954 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.
  • Played three seasons with the Regina Pats. Won a Memorial Cup championship in 1974.
  • WCHL First All-Star Team (1974).
  • Was selected fourth overall by the New York Islanders in the 1974 Amateur Draft.
  • Linemate of Bryan Trottier and Mike Bossy to form a line nicknamed "the Trio Grande".
  • Became second captain of the New York Islanders as a 22-year old from 1976-77 to 1978-79.
  • Scored three consecutive game-winning goals in the 1977 playoffs against Buffalo to tie an NHL record.
  • Named to the NHL First All-Star Team in 1978 and 1979.
  • Played in the 1978 NHL All-Star Game.
  • Represented the NHL in the 1979 Challenge Cup series.
  • Key component of the New York Islanders feat of winning four Stanley Cup championships in a row from 1980 to 1983.
  • Represented Canada, which finished second in the 1981 Canada Cup.
  • Played in Buffalo for his final two NHL seasons.
  • He scored 30 or more NHL regular season goals six times in his career.
  • On December 7, 1996, his number "9" was retired by the New York Islanders.
  • Compiled NHL regular season totals of 958 games played, 319 goals, 378 assists, 697 points.
  • Recorded NHL playoff totals of 164 games played, 47 goals, 47 assists, 94 points.
Rod Langway
  • Born May 3, 1957 in Maag, Formosa, Taiwan.
  • Grew up in Randolph, Massachusetts. Led Randolph High School to a pair of State Championship appearances in 1973 and 1975.
  • Played one season with the University of New Hampshire in 1976/77.
  • Selected by the Birmingham Bulls (WHA) in 1977 WHA Amateur Draft.
  • Also selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1977 NHL Draft (36th overall).
  • Earned a Stanley Cup ring with the Canadiens in the 1978-79 season.
  • Claimed by Montreal (NHL) as a fill-in during the Expansion Draft, June 13, 1979.
  • Remained with Montreal until a 1982 trade to the Washington Capitals.
  • Won the Norris Trophy as the League's top defender in 1983 and 1984.
  • Voted a First-Team All-Star in 1983 and 1984.
  • Represented the United States in the 1981, 1984 and 1987 Canada Cup and was named to the tournament All-Star Team in 1984.
  • NHL Second All-Star Team in 1985.
  • Played in NHL All-Star Game (1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986).
  • Known to Capitals fans as the "Secretary of Defense".
  • Served as Captain of Washington from 1982/83 to 1992/93.
  • After taking the 1993/94 season off, re-launched his hockey career as a player/coach with Richmond of the ECHL in 1994/95 and with San Francisco of the IHL in 1995/96.
  • Presently serving as an assistant coach for the Providence Bruins of the AHL, top farm club of the Boston Bruins.
  • Number "5" retired to the rafters of the Capital Center in Washington on November 26, 1997.
  • Inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 1999.
Roger Neilson
  • Born June 16, 1934, Toronto, Ontario.
  • Holds a degree in Physical Education from McMaster University in Hamilton.
  • Began coaching career with the Peterborough Petes of the OHA in 1966.
  • In 10 seasons with the Petes, the club captured one OHA championship and finished lower than third only twice.
  • In 1976/77 season joined the Dallas Black Hawks of the Central Hockey League.
  • Moved to NHL following one season in Dallas.
  • Has been Head Coach for eight different NHL teams including Toronto (1977/78 to 1978/79), Buffalo (1980/81), Vancouver (1981/82 to 1983/84), Los Angeles (1983/84), New York Rangers (1989/90 to 1992/93), Florida (1993/94 to 1994/95), Philadelphia (1998/99 to 1999/2000) and Ottawa (2001/2002).
  • Served as an Assistant Coach with Buffalo (1980/81), Chicago (1984/85 to 1986/87), St. Louis (1995/96 to 1997/98) and Ottawa (2001/2002).
  • Guided teams to three Division Titles, Buffalo (1980/81) and New York (1989/90 and 1991/92).
  • Reached the Stanley Cup playoffs 11 times in 15 seasons at the helm.
  • Led Vancouver to the Stanley Cup Finals (1982).
  • Runner up for Jack Adams Trophy as the coach of the year in the NHL following the 1991/92 season when the New York Rangers captured the Presidents Trophy with the League's best regular season record.
  • One of thirteen coaches to record 400 wins.
  • Appeared in his 1,000th game as Head Coach with Ottawa on April 13, 2002.
  • A pioneer recognized as the first NHL coach to use video as a teaching tool.


New Feature Film "Memorial Cup Magic" Launched Along with New Junior Hockey Exhibit

CHL President David Branch, Lieutenant (Retired)
Garth Webb, HHOF Chairman Bill Hay, and Master Bombardier Rodney Gallant.
TORONTO (November 1, 2002) -- The Hockey Hall of Fame and the Canadian Hockey League announced today that the Memorial Cup trophy would now be a permanent feature at the Hockey Hall of Fame, commemorated by a new tribute film titled Memorial Cup Magic, which will be showcased in the Hartland Molson Theatre over the next year.

"The Hockey Hall of Fame is proud to welcome the Memorial Cup and honoured to make it the focal point of our exhibit on Junior hockey," said Phil Pritchard, Director, Hockey Operations and Curator, Hockey Hall of Fame.

The trophy will be surrounded by a special display celebrating Junior hockey, from its beginnings in 1919 to present day. Valuables such as Cooney Weiland's cufflinks from the 1924 Owen Sound Greys, to Eric Lindros's 1990 Oshawa Generals sweater, to the gloves of Val d'Or forward Simon Gamache from the 2001 tournament will be on display for hockey fans.

Memorial Cup Magic is a new 30-minute feature film written, directed and produced by Mark Askin on behalf of Molstar Sports & Entertainment. The film highlights the history one of hockey's oldest and most coveted championship icons. It covers both past and present tournaments, behind-the-scenes drama from the 2002 Memorial Cup in Guelph, Ontario as well as past winners, including Red Kelly and Darcy Tucker.

Memorial Cup Heroes (Left to right) Ron Ellis, Harry Neale, Don Cherry, Harry Howell, Lou Fontinato, Andy Bathgate and Red Kelly stand on stage with the Memorial Cup.
"The Memorial Cup has such a rich tradition that has helped shape the way Junior hockey is played in North America," said David Branch, President, Canadian Hockey League. "We are happy that Canadians from coast to coast will be able to visit the Hockey Hall of Fame and view this storied trophy, the new exhibit and view the tribute film, Memorial Cup Magic."

The 2001-2002 season marked the 84th anniversary of the Memorial Cup, the most sought after trophy in Junior hockey. The Memorial Cup trophy was originally named the OHA Memorial Cup after the Ontario Hockey Association donated it in March 1919 in remembrance of the many Canadian hockey players who lost their lives during World War I.

The Canadian Hockey League is the largest hockey league in the world and is the major source of talent for the National Hockey League, comprised of the Ontario Hockey League, the Western Hockey League and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, with 55 franchises located throughout North America.

A tribute to the Memorial Cup will also be featured within the live TSN broadcast of the 2002 Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony beginning at 7:00 PM (ET) on Monday, November 4, 2002. This marks the 10th Anniversary of the Induction Weekend / Celebration since the Hockey Hall of Fame moved to BCE Place in June 1993. The Hockey Hall of Fame plans to celebrate with a series of exciting initiatives, including an investment of $7.0 million in exhibit revitalization projects to be carried out in the 2003 calendar year. Today, the Hall unveiled ten commissioned mural artworks featuring the most significant events activities which influenced its operations since 1993 (eight of which are reproduced as window banners on the exterior of the historic bank building at the corner of Yonge and Front Streets).


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