Legends of Hockey - Induction Showcase - 1998 Induction Gala
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1998 INDUCTION GALA
On November 16, 1998, two of hockey's greatest players during the 1980's took their place among the game's legends at the Hockey Hall of Fame. Peter Stastny and Michel Goulet, along with Roy Conacher and Monsignor Athol Murray, were inducted as honoured members, capping off an exciting, fun-filled weekend at hockey's sacred hall.

The 1998 Induction Weekend Celebration kicked off on Friday with a special appearance by former New York Islanders sniper Mike Bossy. Both young and old came out for this rare opportunity to meet one of hockey's greatest goal scorers.

Induction Ceremony

Saturday was Kodak Photo and Fan Forum day at the Hall of Fame, which meant there were numerous prizes given away. The grand prize went to Jim Hutton of Scarborough, winning a weekend at the Royal York Hotel, 2 ticket's to Saturday's Leaf game and 2 ticket's to the Induction Gala. Excitement filled the air as five honoured members, representing 26 Stanley Cup championships, each spent time in a question/answer session led by the FAN 590's Gord Stellick. Yvan Cournoyer, Red Kelly, Pierre Pilote, Steve Shutt and Gerry Cheevers brought back some great memories of a by-gone era, reminiscing about former teammates, favourite memories and Stanley Cup victories. Then, each relieved their glory days, posing with various fans and Lord Stanley's Mug.

Peter Stastny Hockey's newest legend's took centre stage on Sunday. Former teammates, Peter Stastny and Michel Goulet both spent a couple of hours signing autographs and accepting congratulations on their induction. Michel Goulet

Finally, the big day arrived. The Hall was closed to the public on Monday, as preparations were in full force for the evening's gala event. During this time, a luncheon was being held to honour the newest Media Award winners. After 34 years of covering the Montreal Canadiens, Yvon Pedneault was voted the winner of the Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award for his contributions to the print media.

Yvon Pedneault
Howie Meeker Also, being honoured was former Toronto Maple Leaf and longtime hockey instructor/commentator, Howie Meeker. Howie received the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award in recognition of his work on NHL broadcasts.


At 6 p.m. the doors were opened and guests began to arrive. Two radio stations set-up with live spots, the FAN 590 from Toronto and CHRC 80 from Quebec City. With an exquisite buffet and plenty of drinks available, both stations relived a little nostalgia, interviewing the likes of Ted Lindsay, Bill Gadsby, Ted Kennedy and Johnny Bower.

Dignitaries were present from all corners of the globe, as well as the who's who of hockey, while the nervous honourees anxiously awaited their moment in the spotlight. TSN broadcast the event live in Canada, while ESPN played it tape delayed in the U.S. First up was Michel Goulet, who would enter the Hall of Fame as the first member of the Quebec Nordiques. Goulet would say, "Tonight, it is an honour to join such a select group. It is so flattering, so rewarding." Next up would be Roy Conacher Jr., accepting posthumously for his father. Roy Sr. joined brothers Lionel and Charlie, as the only brother threesome in the Hall of Fame. The late Monsignour Athol Murray was then inducted as a builder, joining Father David Bauer in representing the relationship between hockey, school and everyday life. Finally, Goulet's former linemate and the first Slovakian to be inducted, Peter Stastny, took centre stage. Stastny paid tribute to the past, by saying, "Being with such a special group with all the hockey legends in the Hall of Fame is truly something special."
Roy Conacher Jr., accepting posthumously for his father. Roy Sr. The evening wound down as the newest hockey legends joined their fellow members, conversing among the paid guest. Perhaps the entire meaning of the induction celebration was summed up with a simple meeting between three generations. Michel Goulet's eyes beamed while introducing his son to a group of his boyhood heroes.

1998 Inductees


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Monsignour Athol Murray

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