Official Press Release

Hockey Hall of Fame Announces 2000 Inductees

Toronto (June 15, 2000) — Jim Gregory, Chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame Selection Committee, announced today that former NHL greats, Joe Mullen and Denis Savard have been elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in the Players' Category. The vote was made today at the annual meeting of the Selection Committee in Toronto.

"The Hockey Hall of Fame is proud to welcome Joe and Denis as Honoured Members," said Jim Gregory, "their contributions to the game of hockey are well documented and their election to the Hall of Fame is richly deserved."

Before beginning his professional career with the St. Louis Blues in 1979, Joe Mullen was an NCAA East First All-American at Boston College. In 17 NHL seasons with the Blues, Calgary Flames, Boston Bruins, and Pittsburgh Penguins Mullen, scored 502 goals and added 561 assists in 1,062 regular season games. Highlights of Mullen's career include six 40-goal seasons; Stanley Cup wins with Calgary in 1989 and Pittsburgh in 1991 and 1992. He won the Lady Byng Trophy twice and was a First Team All-Star in 1988-89.

"It's a thrill to be going into the Hall of Fame with Denis Savard", said Mullen, "when I got the call I had chills going up and down my spine when I realized the honour and privilege."

Denis Savard was drafted 3rd overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 1980 Entry Draft. Savard established and continues to hold many Blackhawks' records, including most points (131) and assists in a season (87). After ten stellar seasons in Chicago, Denis was traded to Montreal, where he was part of the 1993 Stanley Cup champions. A seven-time NHL All-Star, he finished his 17-year career back in Chicago in 1996-97. In 1196 regular season games he scored 473 goals and added 865 assists for 1338 points.

"I am very fortunate to have taken the right paths in my hockey career," said Savard, "as far as my profession is concerned, this is the greatest day of my life."

In the Builder Category, Walter Bush, Jr., was elected in recognition of his long-time contributions to hockey. He was a member of the team that formed the United States Central Hockey League in 1955, served as the League's President and then later as the owner of the Minneapolis Bruins. Bush assisted in merging the Cleveland Barons and the Minnesota North Stars into one NHL club and in 1973, he received the Lester Patrick Award for his outstanding service to hockey in the United States. Walter is a member of the United States Hockey Hall of Fame; the Board of Directors of the Hockey Hall of Fame; President, USA Hockey; and Vice President, International Ice Hockey Federation.

In addition, Jim Matheson was selected as the Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award recipient for his contributions to print media, as voted by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association. Bob Miller was selected as the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award in recognition of his work on NHL broadcasts, by the NHL Professional Broadcasters' Association.

The 2000 Induction Ceremony will be held on Monday, November 13 at the Hockey Hall of Fame. The Induction Weekend, November 10th - 12th will also feature the Second Annual Hockey Hall of Fame Game with the Toronto Maple Leafs facing off against the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday, November 11th.