Hall of Fame Induction 2015 (running)
event running
Hall of Fame Induction 2015

Sunday 17.05.2015, 12:00Press conference
     
    This concludes the ceremony. (12:50:06)
     
    Hasek puts on the red Czech jersey again, and delivers his speech. "Nothing changes, I still love to wear this jersey! My father and grandfather were the first to shoot things at me – tennis balls, soccer balls, and pucks. My mother and grandmother walked me through the dark of the city to help carry my equipment to many early practices when I was young. I cannot thank them enough for their support that let me play hockey for 30 years. 2 Stanley Cups and the friendships I made in North America are things I cherish, but to win for your country is different. To bring the Olympic Gold Medal back was Nagano was special – the Olympics are special and I encourage the NHL to embrace them. Every player should have the opportunity to play on hockey's biggest stage, and bring their success home to where it all began. I want to publicly express my sincere thanks to everyone who helped me, played with me, cheered for me, drove the bus, and who helped e in my entire career. There is no way I could be more grateful to you all.
     
    The final inductee is Dominik Hasek. Already a superstar in Europe before going to the NHL was already a WC medalist, all-star, and winner. He was traded to Buffalo in 1992; and went on to win to win two Stanley Cups. His finest moment in a Czech shirt was as part of the Czech 1998 gold-medal winning team.
     
    In the yellow jersey of Sweden, Maria takes to the stage. "It is truly a great honour to be a small part of the history of international hockey. Growing up I was the only girl of 600 players in Rogle, I started playing on the streets at home for hours, only being interrupted for meals! I have to thank my brother for always competing with me! In order to be successful you ned support, I head this greatly from my parents – they let me do what I want, took obstacles away, drove and travelled with me so I could play. I've had the privilege to play for great coaches – Shannon Miller, you really thought me what the word excellent means in hockey. My greatest moment was scoring the penalty shot in the Torino semifinal, taking Sweden to our first ever gold-medal game. I would like to thank my whole family sitting here today, including my wife and two children. A thank you to Fran – because of you being a pioneer for women's hockey I can call myself a 4-time Olympian.
     
    Maria has played and coached hockey for decades, playing in the first Women's WC aged 17 in 1997. She played in 4 Olympic Games, starting in Nagano 98, helping Sweden to win bronze in Salt Lake City – then leading her team to silver.
     
    Maria Rooth is the next inductee, from Sweden.
     
    As Anaheim are still in the playoffs, Scott can't be here to accept the award. The President of Hockey Canada does so in his place.
     
    The next inductee is Scott Niedermayer. One of the finest defensemen of his era, says the IIHF video montage. He won four Stanley Cups, and won his first Olympic Gold Medal in 2002, before playing in just one World Championships – 2004, where Canada won gold. Thus, he is a member of the triple gold club! He closed out his international career captaining his country in a home Olympics in 2010, winning gold.
     
    "You can't wish for more than receiving an award for something you're doing with love and passion – I've truly honoured and proud" says Monique. "My thanks also go to the council and to Beata – as the two only women, I think we still manage to give a small female touch in this hockey world! I'd like to thank my husband and my family for their support over the last 40 year. Hockey is my life."
     
    Monique started her hockey work as an off-ice official at a team in Luxembourg, has served as President of the Tornados team since 2002. However as the General Secretary of the Luxembourg Ice Hockey Federation (since 1992), she has been elected to the IIHF council. Internationally snd domestically, she has given a lifetime of service to the game.
     
    Now moving to to the Paul Loicq award, awarded for individuals making an outstanding contribution to hockey and the IIHF. The recipient this year is Monique Scheier-Schneider of Luxembourg.
     
    Wearing the famous Azzuri jersey, Lucio is on stage. "It is an honour and privilege to be in front of you to celebrate many years of hockey – and years of sacrifice and commitment and sacrifice to this wonderful sport. Hockey is not a popular sport in Italy, but it is in the heart of the fans. Hockey is a bridge between old and younger generations. I would like to thank all the teams and coaches, who allowed me to play and perform as a player for many years. I thank all the fans who supported me, but most of all I would like to thank my wife for supporting me every day of my life. I accept this award from the IIHF acknowledging that it is the greatest that I have received in my life. I would like to pay tribute to Bibi and all players who have spent their lives playing this wonderful sport. Playing hockey is belonging to a team, bring a friend among friends – long live the champions of this wonderful sport."
     
    Lucio played 23 seasons in the Italian top league, and was part of 10 championship winning teams – averaging over 1.5 points per game. He made his debut for the national side aged 21, and played in 18 IIHF tournaments, 14 of which were at the top level. The highlight of his career was in 2006, aged 40, where he played in the Torino Olympics.
     
    A new award for this year is in honour of Richard 'Bibi' Torriani, to recognise that hockey is a global game played at many different levels – for athletes dedicated to the game. The recipient is Lucio Topatigh.
     
    Fran puts on her Team Canada jersey, and takes the stage. "It's quite humbling to be here" she says. "Thank you to the selection committee for this incredible honour, and to the IIHF and federations for all you're doing for women's hockey. I grateful accept this award on behalf of the 100s and 1000s of people that I've worked with – it's been a team every step of the way. We showed the world what can be done, when we come together as a team for a common goal and vision. We attained the impossible of the dream for young girls to wear their national jersey in the Olympics. It's a very special honour to represent Canada and Hockey Canada. In closing i'd like to thank my parents who lived to help others, and that is a wonderful example for the world. And thanks to my colleagues and special friends who have come to Prague to share this special moment with me."
     
    Fran Rider is the first person to be inducted into the Hall of Fame as a builder purely for contribution to women's ice hockey. She was instrumental in creating the first ever Women's World Championships.
     
    An emotion Reichel says: "I'm very honoured to be inducted in the IIHF Hall of Fame, to be acknowledged for my hockey achievements alongside many great players. First I'd like to thank my parents, without whom I would never have been able to play the game I love. I would not have been able to achieve what I did without my coaches, and I'm thankful for their handwork and patience. It was always a great honour to play for my country, and I will always cherish the Nagano gold and three world championships. Lastly, I would like to thank my family who are here today. Thank you again for this prestigious award."
     
    Reichel puts in his Czech jersey, and takes to the stage!
     
    First up to be inducted, Robert Reichel. He made his debut in the WJC back in 1988 scoring 11 points, before debuting for the senior team aged 19 in 1990. Reichel played 830 NHL games, scoring 630 points, and was captain of the Czech national team's domination from 1996-2001 – including the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympic Gold.
     
    "This is a very special induction class – I'm very grateful that we can honour great players, coaches, and builders. I welcome great Czechs, three women, and a new award to honour passion given to the national team."
     
    Dr. Rene Fasel, IIHF President, takes the stage.
     
    After a short video detailing all of this year's hall of fame inductees, we're ready to start the ceremony
     
    Here we go, the broadcast starts
     
    A reminder that this ceremony is also live on Czech TV
     
    Welcome to the Clarion Congress Hotel in Prague – we're going to get underway in 10 minutes.
     
    Welcome. Event starts at 12:00.

    Luke Fisher