Reuters/Washington
Nicklas Lidstrom will add Hockey Hall of Fame member to his long list of achievements yesterday. The Swedish defenseman, along with Canadian defenseman Chris Pronger and Russian forward Sergei Fedorov, are expected to highlight the 2015 Hockey Hall of Fame class, when it is announced in Toronto on Monday afternoon.
Lidstrom played 20 seasons for the Detroit Red Wings. The seven-time Norris Trophy winner as NHL defenseman of the year won four Stanley Cups in Detroit as well as the 2002 Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP.
He also scored the gold medal-clinching goal for Sweden at the 2006 Olympics to become a rare Triple Gold Club member. Only 26 players have won an Olympic gold medal, a world championship and Stanley Cup in a career. Lidstrom won his world title in 1991.
Pronger also is a Triple Gold Club member. He won a world championship with Canada in 1997, two Olympic gold medals in 2002 and 2010 as well as a Stanley Cup with the 2006-07 Anaheim Ducks. Also up for Hockey Hall of Fame consideration are Canadian forward Mark Recchi, Russian forward Sergei Makarov, Canadian woman’s star Danielle Goyette and in the builder’s category, the late Pat Quinn, who coached Canada to gold medal success at the 2002 Olympics.
In order to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame a candidate must be retired for three seasons and achieve at least 75 per cent of votes from the 18-member selection committee. The induction ceremony will be held in Toronto on November 9.
Nicklas Lidstrom.
