1986 Hockey Inductees
The Class of 1986 showcased the true Canadian spirit among the Original Six—an era where legends reigned supreme. From Toronto, Dave Keon dazzled us with his grace, and Montreal proudly delivered Serge Savard, a stalwart of the Blue Line. Yet, the spotlight wasn't solely on the conventional; Boston's very own Leo Boivin made the cut—a selection that still sparks fierce debate. Critics of the Hall seize upon Boivin's induction as a prime example of how the era, particularly the Original Six legacy, sometimes tips the scales. Dive into the controversies and celebrate the triumphs as we unpack the enduring impact of these rugged pioneers on hockey history.
Bill Hanley was selected for the Hockey Hall of Fame based on his lifetime service to the Ontario Hockey Association. Hanley was well regarded and served in the OHA in multiple capacities for decades. Still, Hanley is one of many administrators with the OHA who have been selected for Toronto, but when the Hockey Hall’s bio’s highlight is that he was a fair arbitrator, it…
One of the best players of all time for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dave Keon was probably its classiest. The 1961 Calder Trophy winner brought an abundance of skill to the Leafs with his speed, deking ability and a diverse collection of shots. Keon was an expert penalty killer, and even more of an expert staying out of the penalty box himself as shown by…
Over a nineteen year career, Leo Boivin was known throughout the National Hockey League for his toughness. He was a traditional stay at home Defenceman who may have had significant offensive prowess, but rarely allowed attackers to get the best of him. Three times, Boivin would play in the All Star Game in the early 1960’s. His best seasons were with the Boston Bruins, of…
An integral part of the Montreal Canadians defensive squad of the 1970’s, Serge Savard brought a blended and intelligent game to the Habs’ blue line. Savard did not have the same offensive skills as his team mate, Larry Robinson, but his methodical hardnosed style of play was a perfect complement to the rest of Montreal’s stars. Savard was part of seven Stanley Cup victories (and…