Henrik Lundqvist has been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, adding another accolade to his illustrious career. The former Rangers goalie was honored on Monday night along with the rest of the 2023 class.
A shoo-in for the Hall of Fame, Lundqvist gained entry in his first year of eligibility following a remarkable 15-year tenure in the NHL, all spent with the New York Rangers after being drafted by them in the seventh round of the 2000 NHL Draft.
The Swedish native concluded his career with impressive statistics, having played 887 games (ninth most in NHL history), securing 459 wins (sixth most), and achieving 64 shutouts (17th most) from 2005-06 to 2019-20, with a .918 save percentage (11th best).
Reflecting on his journey, Lundqvist remarked, “When I think about how it started, a seven by three meter big sandpit in kindergarten up in Are, Sweden to Madison Square Garden and now Hockey Hall of Fame, it’s just an incredible feeling.”
Since his debut in the league, Lundqvist, now 41 years old, left an immediate impact not just on the Rangers, but on the city of New York. He led the team to a Stanley Cup appearance in 2014, claimed the Vezina trophy in 2012, and set an NHL record with 13 consecutive seasons of 20 or more wins.
In his acceptance speech, he shared his childhood worries about being unnoticed, juxtaposed with his journey to the big stage on Broadway. Lundqvist expressed gratitude to James Dolan and Glen Sather, former president of the Rangers, and conveyed his deep appreciation to Rangers fans for their unwavering support throughout his career.
Lundqvist also acknowledged his teammates and recognized the intensity and demands he placed on himself, emphasizing the impact of both victories and losses on his life. He went on to thank each of them for the joy they brought to his career.
Joining Lundqvist in the 2023 Hall of Fame class are fellow inductees Tom Barrasso, Ken Hitchcock, Pierre Lacroix, Caroline Ouellette, Pierre Turgeon, and Mike Vernon.
Sarah Anderson dives into the fast-paced world of NHL hockey. Her coverage includes game analysis, player spotlights, and the latest news from the ice. Sarah’s dedication to the sport ensures that hockey enthusiasts stay informed about the NHL’s thrilling action.
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