It was the eve of the 41st anniversary of Ken Holland91裸聊视频檚 first NHL game Monday, Nov. 15.

Holland, from Vernon, told the capacity crowd at the Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Toronto how he played goalie for the now-defunct Hartford Whalers Nov. 16, 1980 and how, at age 25, he felt like he had finally made it.

91裸聊视频淚 was in goal for Hartford against the New York Rangers in Madison Square Gardens, I was 25, the opportunity of a lifetime,91裸聊视频� said Holland, who turned 66 on Nov. 10. 91裸聊视频淎fter the first period, I felt, 91裸聊视频業91裸聊视频檓 here to stay.91裸聊视频� The second period, I gave up five goals, down 6-1 going into the third period and I91裸聊视频檓 sitting in the intermission thinking to myself, 91裸聊视频楰en, you91裸聊视频檙e never going to be in the National Hockey League ever again.91裸聊视频�91裸聊视频�

Holland did play three more games in the NHL with Hartford and the Detroit Red Wings. He went on to become one of hockey91裸聊视频檚 keenest executives, starting as a scout with Detroit then helping the Red Wings win four Stanley Cups as assistant general manager and team GM, and was part of the executive for Team Canada91裸聊视频檚 gold-medal victory at the 2010 Olympics in Holland91裸聊视频檚 home province of B.C.

On Monday, Holland 91裸聊视频� the current president of the NHL91裸聊视频檚 Edmonton Oilers 91裸聊视频� became an official member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, inducted as part of the class of 2020-21 with former players Kevin Lowe, Doug Wilson, Marian Hossa and Jarome Iginla, and former Team Canada women91裸聊视频檚 star goalie Kim St-Pierre. He was presented his Hall of Fame plaque by former Detroit captain Steve Yzerman.

91裸聊视频淲hat an honour to be presented my plaque by Stevie,91裸聊视频� said Holland. 91裸聊视频淗e and I were together with the Red Wings for 26 years.91裸聊视频�

He also credited former Red Wings boss Jim Devallano for kick-starting his post-playing career. Had he listened to his late mom, Lee, Holland would have sold vacuum cleaners for a living.

91裸聊视频淛immy D promoted me to chief amateur scout, then eventually to assistant general manager for three years,91裸聊视频� said Holland. 91裸聊视频淚 was working with Jimmy D and Scotty Bowman. That was like going to the Harvard of hockey for me. I learned so much in those three years about team building, dealing with players, making trades, negotiating contracts.

91裸聊视频楯immy D was my mentor. He believed in me, he guided me and taught me the business of pro hockey.91裸聊视频�

Holland grew up on 23rd Street of Vernon91裸聊视频檚 East Hill. He began skating at age six and put on his first pair of goalie pads two years later. Fresh on his mind as he was inducted were his late parents, Rienie and Lee.

91裸聊视频淥ur parents taught us the importance of work ethic, sacrifice, treating people with respect as that91裸聊视频檚 how they lived their lives. They91裸聊视频檙e both gone but with me tonight,91裸聊视频� said Holland, grateful for the love and support he91裸聊视频檚 received all his life from younger siblings Diane and Dennis who were in attendance in Toronto.

Joining Holland at the ceremony was his wife Cindi and four kids, Brad, Julie, Rachel and Greg.

91裸聊视频淢y wife is the rock and foundation of our family,91裸聊视频� said Holland. 91裸聊视频淚91裸聊视频檓 incredibly blessed to have you at my side. Words cannot express how important you are to me.91裸聊视频�

roger@vernonmorningstar.com
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