The weekend’s events continue Friday with the Class of 2023 being honored during the ceremonial puck drop at Scotiabank Arena before the Toronto Maple Leafs and Calgary Flames compete in the annual Hall of Fame game.
On Saturday, members of the class will be at the Fan Forum, where fans entering the Hall of Fame will have an exclusive opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with them.
The Hall of Fame Legends Classic will take place on Sunday at Scotiabank Arena. This is where honorees will receive their official Hall of Fame jackets. Lundqvist, Ouellette and Turgeon will be in uniform to play. Hitchcock will coach.
The induction ceremony will take place Monday evening.
“I’m going to need the weekend to figure it all out,” Lundqvist said. “It’s just beginning, but it will be very special on Monday to be there with my family and friends and share this moment. I was lucky enough to experience the jersey retirement (by the New York Rangers) a few years ago, and the best part is sharing it with the people who helped you get to this point. I’m very excited to be here but also to share it with them.
The emotions the 2023 honorees felt Friday as they received their rings, checked their plaques, posed for photos and conducted interviews were built on more than four months of waiting for this weekend to finally arrive.
Hitchcock said he was initially uneasy about coming here because he hasn’t been active in the game since 2019. He served as a coaching consultant for the St. Louis Blues, but he spends his summers in Kelowna, British Columbia, and his winters in Palm Springs. , California.
“Uncomfortable because I stepped out of the circle,” he said. “I didn’t go around the circle at all. I just wanted to know if I fit in. When you’re out of it, the NHL goes on, life goes on. I just wanted to feel comfortable to be able to come back here and enjoy it, and I did. It’s been a great time so far and we’re just getting started.
Ouellette has also felt nervous in recent weeks.
“Because it’s a big moment,” she said. “I think you’re a little afraid of forgetting someone who mattered to you.”
For the Lacroix family, the last few weeks have been dedicated to ensuring that everyone who wants to get involved can do so in their own way.
Éric Lacroix, Pierre’s son and former NHL player, was their representative at the ring ceremony. Colombe received the call to participate in the ceremonial faceoff before the Toronto-Calgary game. Martin Lacroix, Pierre’s other son, wrote the induction speech that Max, 19-year-old grandson and Eric’s eldest son, will deliver on Monday.
Pierre Lacroix died on December 13, 2020. He was 72 years old.
“It’s big for our family,” said Éric Lacroix. “We’re not going to be negative and say we wish he was here, but of course that’s human nature. I wish he was here. I think today he would have been proud. I think it’s good for my mother. There will be There will never be a shutdown. It was COVID. It was hard for my mother. It’s a big change, I’ve been married since 55. But I would say it’s closure in the sense that, hey, it’s a big party and we’re here as a family and we’re excited.”
And it’s only just started.
“It’s here,” Turgeon said. “I’m going to enjoy this time. I love being here and it’s just a privilege to be a part of it.”
