June 23, 2009
GN.009

YZERMAN AND ROBITAILLE 
HIGHLIGHT HOCKEY HALL OF FAME CLASS

Dedicated A pair of decorated Team Canada alumni received the game’s ultimate honour on Tuesday, as Steve Yzerman and Luc Robitaille earned induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Yzerman, who is currently serving as Canada’s executive director for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, donned the maple leafs on eight occasions during his 22-year NHL career, all with the Detroit Red Wings. The Nepean, Ont. native won four medals representing his country, earning gold at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, silver at the 1985 and 1989 IIHF World Championships and bronze at the 1983 IIHF World Junior Championship, while also winning the 1984 Canada Cup.

He also played for Canada at the 1998 Olympic Winter Games, 1996 World Cup of Hockey and 1990 IIHF World Championship, where he was named top forward by the IIHF Directorate. Yzerman was named to Canada’s roster for the 2004 World Cup of Hockey, but was injured and unable to take part.

Following his retirement in July 2006 Yzerman stepped into the front office, leading Canada to a gold medal at the 2007 IIHF World Championship and silver the following year, both as the team’s general manager.

He was joined in the front office in 2008 by Robitaille, who made his first appearance as part of Canada’s management team after representing his country three times as a player.
The Montreal, Que. native, who played 19 NHL seasons for four teams (Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, N.Y. Rangers, Detroit) , had his greatest success in 1994, captaining Canada to its first gold medal in 33 years at the IIHF World Championship. He also helped Canada to victory at the 1991 Canada Cup, and took home silver from the 1986 IIHF World Junior Championship.The two will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame during induction ceremonies in Toronto on November 9.