Glenn Anderson’s Time Finally Comes
If this year’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony has a theme, it should be “About Time!”
Two players that perhaps should have been inducted long ago will finally have their moment on Monday night in Toronto. Igor Larionov and Glenn Anderson are both set to enter the Hall. Linesman Ray Scapinello and junior hockey builder Ed Chynoweth will also be inducted.
For Anderson, one of the greatest clutch players to ever lace the skates, the wait has made him appreciate the moment more. “It took a little longer, but I think I appreciate it a lot more now,” Anderson told ESPN. “I had a long time to think about it, whether it was going to happen or not. Now, I think I’m more able to take it all in. At this stage of my life, I think I will appreciate it more.”
Anderson was a key component to the success of the Edmonton Oilers, winning five Stanley Cups with the team. He represented Canada at the 1980 Olympic Games, as well as twice at the World Championships and twice at the Canada Cup. Anderson also played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, and St. Louis Blues. In 1129 career games in the NHL, he finished with 1099 points.
Anderson was eligible to be inducted in the Hall of Fame three years in 1995-1996. Overlooked for more than a decade, many feel that the time has come (and then some!) for Anderson to finally join the greats of the game in the Hall. But perhaps absence makes the heart grow fonder for Glenn Anderson.
Anderson told ESPN that he wasn’t sure what went into deciding on a Hall of Fame candidate. “It’s a difficult question for me to answer because I don’t know [what criteria is used],” he said. “If I was sitting on the committee, I’m sure I’d kind of be able to say, OK, what makes this guy get in. Is it the stats? Is it his championships? You know, what is it exactly? And I really don’t know what the guidelines and the criteria is. It’s not written in stone. So I don’t know the answer.”
Regardless of what the answer actually is, I’m sure few hockey fans and even fewer players would make a case for Glenn Anderson to NOT be admitted in the Hall. He deserves it and it will be wonderful to see the ceremony tomorrow night.
Posted by Jordan Richardson.
Tags: glenn anderson