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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 2003 Inductees


TORONTO (June 11th, 2003) -- Jim Gregory, Chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame Selection Committee, announced today that former NHL greats Grant Fuhr and Pat LaFontaine have been elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in the Player 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 Grant and Pat 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."

Grant Fuhr
A native of Spruce Grove, Alberta, Grant Fuhr starred for the Victoria Cougars of the Western Hockey League (WHL) and earned First Team All-Star status in both the 1979-80 and 1980-81 seasons. His outstanding Junior play led the Edmonton Oilers to make him their first round selection (8th overall) in the 1981 NHL Entry Draft. During his 19-year NHL career, Fuhr had his greatest success in Edmonton, being an integral component of five Stanley Cup teams from 1983 to 1990.

"I am extremely excited to join some of my Oiler teammates in the Hockey Hall of Fame" said Fuhr. "After watching the Oilers as a kid play in the WHA in my hometown, I was extremely fortunate to join a very special group of hockey players on a team that had great success."

Pat LaFontaine
After an outstanding 1982-83 regular season with the Verdun Juniors of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, the St. Louis, Missouri native led his team to the Memorial Cup and was named tournament MVP. In the 1983 Entry Draft, the New York Islanders made Pat their first round selection (3rd overall). Following a year with the U.S. Olympic team, LaFontaine made the jump to the Islanders where he played eight seasons before being traded to the Buffalo Sabres. After six seasons in Buffalo, LaFontaine played one year for the New York Rangers before suffering a career ending head injury. LaFontaine's career highlights include scoring 30+ goals in nine of his 15 NHL seasons, with six consecutive 40+ goal seasons.

"I am truly thrilled to receive this tremendous honour," said LaFontaine. "Growing up in St. Louis, I always played for the love of the game and never dreamed this could ever lead to my being a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame."

Mike Ilitch
In the Builder Category, Detroit Red Wings' owner Mike Ilitch and long-time Junior coach Brian Kilrea were both elected.

Ilitch purchased the Red Wings from the Norris family in 1982, taking over a once-proud organization that had been reduced to only 2,100 season ticket holders. Under his ownership, Detroit has won nine Division Championships, four Western Conference Championships and three Stanley Cup victories.

"Hockey is a great sport and it has been a delight for me to be associated with the quality of people involved in the game," said Ilitch. "I am proud to have supported amateur hockey and proud of the Red Wings' organization we have built in Detroit over the past 20 years."

Brian Kilrea
After a professional career that included AHL Calder Cup Championships in 1960, 1961 and 1962 and NHL stints in Detroit and Los Angeles, Brian Kilrea joined the Ottawa 67's of the Ontario Hockey League as General Manager and Head Coach for the 1974-75 season. Kilrea has consistently held that post since then, with only three seasons of interruption - two of which were as coach of the New York Islanders.

On June 18th, the Hockey Hall of Fame will celebrate the 10th Anniversary of its moved to BCE Place in June 1993. The Hall will celebrate this milestone with several special events, including a free outdoor lunch hour concert at BCE Place featuring The Jim Cuddy Band and appearances of numerous Inductees from the past 10 years.

The 2003 Induction Celebration will be held on Monday, November 3rd, at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.


Please contact for more information:

Kelly Masse
Hockey Hall of Fame
(416) 933-8212

Grant Fuhr
  • Born on September 28, 1962 in Spruce Grove, Alberta, Canada.
  • Caught right, played at 5'9" and 190 lbs.
  • Played two seasons with the Victoria Cougars of the Western Hockey League. earning WHL First Team all-star status in both 1979-80 and 1980-81.
  • Drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the first round, eighth overall in the 1981 NHL Entry Draft.
  • Played parts of four seasons in the American Hockey League with the Moncton Alpines, Cape Breton Oilers and Rochester Americans totaling 19 regular season games played.
  • Played parts of 19 seasons in the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Buffalo Sabres, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues and Calgary Flames.
  • Earned 28 wins and 14 ties during rookie NHL regular season in 1981-82.
  • Won five Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers in 1983-84, 1984-85, 1986-87, 1987-88 and 1989-90.
  • Recorded 25 or more NHL regular season wins nine times.
  • Won the Vezina Trophy in 1988 as a member of the Edmonton Oilers.
  • Shared the Williams M. Jennings Trophy with Dominik Hasek in 1994 as a member of the Buffalo Sabres.
  • Played in six NHL All-Star Games and Rendez-Vous '87.
  • NHL First Team All-Star in 1988 and NHL Second Team All-Star in 1982.
  • First in most NHL regular season games appeared in by a goaltender, one season with 79 in 1995-96.
  • First in longest undefeated streak by a goaltender in his first NHL season with 23 game wins.
  • Set an NHL record for most regular season assists/points by a goalie by earning 14 assists in 1983-84.
  • Second in career NHL playoff game wins with 92.
  • Tied for fourth in the NHL longest undefeated streak by a goaltender in one season with 23 game wins.
  • Sixth in career NHL regular season wins with 403.
  • Recorded 403 wins and 114 ties in 868 regular season games played including 25 shutouts.
  • Won two Canada Cups in 1984 and 1987 for Team Canada.
  • Member of Team Canada at the 1987 Canada Cup Tournament.
  • Represented Canada at the 1989 World Championships earning a silver medal.
Pat LaFontaine
  • Born on February 22, 1965 in St. Louis, Missouri.
  • Played one season of midget hockey with Detroit Compuware in 1981-82.
  • Recorded 175 goals, 149 assists & 324 points.
  • Played one season for the Verdun Juniors of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League in 1982-83.
  • Led QMJHL with 104 goals, 130 assists & 234 points.
  • Broke Guy Lafleur's QMJHL point-scoring record with a 40-game streak.
  • Broke Mike Bossy's QMJHL goals-by-a-rookie record with 104.
  • Named QMJHL 1st Team All-Star, Rookie-of-the-Year, MVP, Playoff MVP, Best Pro Prospect & Most Sportsmanlike Player.
  • Led Verdun to Memorial Cup Final, being named Tournament MVP.
  • Named Canadian Major Junior Hockey League Player-of-the-Year in 1982-83.
  • Drafted 3rd overall by the New York Islanders in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft.
  • Played 1983-84 season for the U.S. National Team, including the 1984 Winter Olympics.
  • Jumped to NHL following Olympics for 1st NHL season, 1983-84 with New York Islanders.
  • Played 8 NHL seasons for the New York Islanders (1984-91).
  • Traded to Buffalo Sabres on October 25, 1991.
  • Played 6 NHL seasons for the Buffalo Sabres (1991-97).
  • Traded to New York Rangers on September 29, 1997.
  • Played one season for the New York Rangers, suffering a career-ending head injury on March 16, 1998.
  • Officially retired on October 12, 1999.
  • Recorded six consecutive 40+ goal seasons.
  • Recorded 30+ goals in 9 of 15 seasons.
  • Recorded career-high 54 goals in 1989-90
  • Recorded two 100+ point seasons, including career-high 148 points in 1992-93.
  • Played in five NHL All-Star Games.
  • Named Dodge Performer-of-the-Year in 1989-90.
  • Named a Second Team NHL All-Star in 1992-93 and won Bill Masterton Trophy in 1994-95 for dedication and perseverance.
  • Recorded career NHL regular season totals of 865gp, 468g, 545a & 1,013 points.
  • Recorded career NHL playoff totals of 69gp, 26g, 36a, 62 points.
  • 54th NHL player to record 1,000 career points.
  • Member of Team USA at 1998 Olympics.
  • Member of Team USA at 1989 World Championship
  • Member of Team USA at 1987 & 1991 Canada Cup's and 1996 World Cup, capturing a silver medal in 1991 and a gold medal in 1996.
Mike Ilitch
  • Born July 20, 1929.
  • Raised in the Detroit area, earned All-City honours while attending Detroit Cooley High School.
  • Purchased the Detroit Red Wings Hockey Club from the Norris family in June 22, 1982.
  • Through his tenure with the Red Wings, Detroit has been among the most successful clubs in the NHL.
  • Won nine Division Championships (1988, 89, 92, 94, 95, 96, 99, 2001, 2002).
  • Four regular season Western Conference Championships (1994, 95, 96, 2002).
  • Collected three President's Trophies (1995, 96, 2002).
  • Participated in seven Conference Finals (1987, 88, 95, 96, 97, 98, 2002).
  • Four Stanley Cup Finals (1995, 97, 98, 2002).
  • Won the Stanley Cup on three occasions (1997, 98, 2002).
  • Owner of Little Caesar's Pizza, sponsor of a youth hockey program.
  • Won the Lester Patrick Trophy in 1991 for outstanding service to hockey in the United States.
  • Received Presidential Citations from the Clinton, Bush and Reagan administrations.
  • Involved with organizations such as Easter Seals and the Special Olympics.
  • Received community awards such as the March of Dimes Humanitarian of the Year in 1990 and the Richard C. Van Duesen Summit Award from the Greater Detroit Chamber of Commerce in 1993.
  • Married to wife Marian, co-owner of the Detroit Red Wings Hockey Club.
  • Seven children: Denise, Ron, Mike Jr., Lisa, Atanas, Christopher and Carole.
Brian Kilrea
  • Born October 21, 1934, Ottawa, Ontario.
  • Played junior hockey with the Hamilton Tigers of the Ontario Hockey Association, 1953-55.
  • Won three consecutive American Hockey League Calder Cup championships as a player in 1960, 61 and 1962.
  • Played in the NHL with Detroit and Los Angeles.
  • Scored first goal in Los Angeles Kings history.
  • Joined the Ottawa 67's of the Ontario Hockey League as General Manager and Head Coach at the beginning of the 1974-75 season.
  • Served as Head Coach from 1974-75 to 1983-84, from 1986-87 to 1993-94 and from 1995-96 to present.
  • Club has finished first in their division ten times during tenure with the organization.
  • Advanced to the Memorial Cup Final in 1977.
  • Won the Memorial Cup in 1984.
  • After capturing the 1984 championship, was hired by the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League as an Assistant Coach.
  • Remained on Long Island for two seasons before returning to the Ottawa 67's for the 1986-87 season.
  • Selected as Ontario Hockey League Coach of the Year in 1980-81, 1981-82, 1995-96 and 1996-97.
  • Chosen as Canadian Hockey League Coach of the Year in 1996-97.
  • Received the Bill Long Award for outstanding contributions to the OHL in 1994.
  • Won a second Memorial Cup in 1999.
  • Set the record for most victories by a Canadian junior hockey coach when Ottawa defeated the North Bay Centennials 6-0 on January 17, 1997.
  • Earned his 1,000th OHL coaching victory as Ottawa defeated the Sudbury Wolves and March 9, 2003.

Scotty Bowman Appointed To
Selection Committee

Legendary NHL coach to provide unique insight on Hall of Fame selections

TORONTO (April 2, 2003) -- Jim Gregory, Chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame Selection Committee, announced today that former NHL coach and executive Scotty Bowman has been appointed to the Hockey Hall of Fame Selection Committee. Bowman replaces Cliff Fletcher whose term expired on March 31, 2003.

"The Hockey Hall of Fame Selection Committee is pleased to welcome Scotty to our team," said Jim Gregory. "Scotty's reputation in our sport is impeccable and his ability to assist in the evaluation of future nominees will be appreciated. I would also like to thank Cliff Fletcher for his contributions during his term on the Selection Committee."

Elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991 in the Builders' Category, Scotty Bowman's success over his 30-year NHL coaching career includes nine Stanley Cup victories - one more than the legendary Toe Blake. Bowman also holds the NHL record for most playoff games won at 353. Bowman retired from coaching after leading the Detroit Red Wings to the Stanley Cup in 2002 and currently serves as a consultant to the team.

"I am thrilled to be included amongst such a distinguished group of hockey people," said Bowman. "I am looking forward to participating in the selection process for such a prestigious institution honouring excellence in the game of hockey."

The Hockey Hall of Fame Selection Committee will meet on June 11, 2003 in Toronto to consider the nominees for induction this year. The 2003 Induction Celebration will be held on Monday, November 3rd at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

The Hockey Hall of Fame will be celebrating its 10 year anniversary at BCE Place in Toronto on June 18, 2003. Founded in 1943, the Hockey Hall of Fame's statement of purpose is "to honour and preserve the history of the game of ice hockey and, in particular, those who have made outstanding contributions and achievements in the development of the game".

For more information, please contact:

Kelly Masse
Hockey Hall of Fame
(416) 933-8212


Hockey Hall of Fame and
Museum Selection Committee

As appointed by the Board of Directors on March 27, 2003

James Gregory
Chairman 		Toronto, Ontario
Al Arbour Long Boat Key, Florida
Scott Bowman East Amherst, New York
Ed Chynoweth Calgary, Alberta
John Davidson Bedford, New York
Mike Emrick Port Huron, Michigan
Red Fisher Montreal, Quebec
Emile Francis West Palm Beach, Florida
Dick Irvin Montreal, Quebec
Stan Mikita Chicago, Illinois
Richard M. Patrick Vienna, Virginia
Marty Pavelich Big Sky, Montana
Patrick Quinn Toronto, Ontario
Bertrand Raymond Montreal, Quebec
Serge Savard Montreal, Quebec
Frank Selke Islington, Ontario
Harry Sinden Boston, Massachusetts
Frank Udvari Kitchener, Ontario


Hockey Hall of Fame Announces 2003 Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award and Foster Hewitt Memorial Award Recipients

Hockey writer Michael Farber and "Voice of the Oilers" Rod Phillips honoured

TORONTO (May 28, 2003) -- Bill Hay, Chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame, announced today that Sports Illustrated writer Michael Farber will receive the Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award for distinguished hockey writing and that long time "Voice of the Oilers" Rod Phillips will receive the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award for his outstanding work as an NHL broadcaster.

"Michael Farber represents the best in our business," said Larry Brooks, president of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association. "He is a witty and stylish writer, who has the ability to tell a story with charm and intelligence."

Farber was a two-time winner of the Canadian National Newspaper award for sports writing during his 15-year career at the Montreal Gazette. Farber's expertise and passionate, creative writing have made him the longest-tenured hockey writer in Sports Illustrated's 49-year history.

Rod Phillips has been the radio voice of the Edmonton Oilers for as long as Edmonton has had an NHL team, beginning his play-by-play career with the Oilers in 1972 while the team was a member of the World Hockey Association. Phillips currently calls Oliers games on CHED 630 AM radio in Edmonton, and in a recent province wide poll was named one of Alberta's top media personalities.

"Rod has been thrilling Edmonton Oiler fans with his exciting play-by-play coverage since the club's inception in 1972," said Chuck Kaiton, President of the NHL Broadcasters' Association. "He is very deserving of this award."

The Foster Hewitt Memorial Award is named in honour of the late "Voice of Hockey" in Canada. It was first presented in 1984 by the NHL Broadcasters' Association for distinguished contributions by members of the NHLBA. Named in honour of the late Montreal newspaper reporter, the Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award was first presented in 1984 by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association for distinguished contributions by members of the PHWA.

Farber and Phillips will receive their respective awards at a luncheon presentation on Monday, November 3rd as part of the 2003 Induction Weekend/Celebration festivities. This fall's Induction Weekend will take place October 31 - November 2 culminating with TSN's live broadcast of the Induction Celebration on Monday, November 3rd.

The naming of Farber and Phillips as this year's media honourees preludes the June 11, 2003 announcement by the Hockey Hall of Fame of its 2003 Inductees into Honoured Membership.

Elmer Ferguson

Elmer Ferguson presided over the sports desk of the Montreal Herald until he died, at the age of 87, in 1972. Ferguson's longevity and encyclopedic knowledge of hockey earned him the respect of his industry, while his insightful and sardonic comments earned him an international following of hockey fans.

Foster Hewitt

In March 1923, Foster Hewitt aired one of the first hockey radio broadcasts. From that night on, he became the eyes and ears of radio listeners and television viewers across Canada. Foster described thousands of hockey games, including national, World and Olympic championships in Canada, the United States and Europe.

For more information, please contact:

Kelly Masse
Hockey Hall of Fame
(416) 933-8212



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