OHL graduate Brendan Shanahan to be inducted into Hockey’s Hall of Fame

Born in the Toronto neighbourhood of Mimico, located in the city’s west end, Brendan Shanahan was a local star in both hockey and lacrosse and was drafted by the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League in 1985. He spent two outstanding seasons with the Knights, scoring 28 goals in 59 games during his first OHL campaign (1985-86) and followed that up with 39 goals the next season.

Shanahan was selected second overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft and would join the club the following season. After four productive years in New Jersey, Shanahan would sign as a free agent with the St. Louis Blues. As a member of the Blues he recorded back-to-back 50+ goal seasons in 1992-93 and 1993-94 and would emerge as a legitimate NHL star.

Following a stint with the Hartford Whalers, Shanahan would join the Detroit Red Wings with whom he would capture the Stanley Cup on three occasions. A rare mix of strength and skill, Shanahan is the only player in NHL history with at least 600 goals and 2,000 penalty minutes and was twice named NHL First Team All-Star.

At the time of his retirement Shanahan ranked as the second most prolific scoring left winger in NHL history with 656 goals. He is also a member of one of the most elite clubs in the world of hockey, the IIHF Triple Gold Club, by virtue of winning the Stanley Cup, Olympic Gold and World Championship gold. 

This November 11^th, Shanahan, along with Chris Chelios, Geraldine Heaney and Scott Niedermayer will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame into the Player Category and will be joined by Fred Shero who enters into the Builder Category.

The Hockey Hall of Fame will pay tribute to this year’s class with festivities taking place from Friday, November 8^th – Sunday, November 10^th culminating with the Induction Gala Celebration on Monday, November 11^th.  Events include an autograph signing with Leafs Legend Wendel Clark, limited edition print giveaways autographed by Lanny McDonald and Darryl Sittler, the official Inductee Q&A fan forum, and the annual Haggar Hockey Hall of Fame Legends Classic at 2:00pm on Sunday, November 10^th at the Mattamy Athletic Centre at the Gardens (formerly Maple Leaf Gardens) where Honoured Members Darryl Sittler and Lanny McDonald will captain two star-studded teams, including the 2013 player Inductees and an unrivaled collection of Maple Leafs Legends.

Visit HHOF.com for the full Induction Weekend itinerary and to purchase Legends Classic & Induction Gala tickets.