LeClair Among Inductees of ’09 U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame
When I got on the computer last night and saw the news that former Flyers left wing John LeClair was to be inducted to the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame, my only thought was finally. Finally they recognized the amazing things he did in his career and for the city of Philadelphia. I know that I’m not the only person who loved his time here, or the line that he was famous for. Who could forget that massive line of Eric Lindros, 6’4″ 244 lbs, Mikael Renberg, 6’2″ 220lbs, and John Leclair, 6’3″ 235 lbs. There is no doubt the the peak of LeClair’s success was with that line, but he was still a dominating force throughout his entire career. Unfortunately for me being only 18, I didn’t have the opportunity to watch his glory days with the Flyers. But, with the power of our friend the internet, I have been able to watch a lot of highlights of those days. Every game i’ve seen with that line in tact never failed to impress. After all, in the three years of their dominance from the 1995 season to the 1997 season, the trio piled up an amazing 671 points. 220+ points a season for one line is pretty impressive if you ask me. But, enough about the line, back to LeClair and his accomplishments.
The three terribly cropped pictures above, (still trying to work out the kinks in my picture editing, bare with me) represent a record that John LeClair held first. He was the very first American born player to score 50 goals in three consecutive seasons. All of which were with the Philadelphia Flyers. I know guys I also believe we had the best team in the mid-to-late 90’s. Now many of you like many of the people who are paid to make those fancy top 10 lists wouldn’t rank LeClair in the top 5, if on the list at all. Me? I can’t disagree more. Sure you have players like Joey Mullen who is one of the best to ever play and Mike Richter who is arguably one of the top 5 goaltenders to play, but just because LeClair’s numbers weren’t as high as these guys, he is still one of the best. His leadership was second to none on the ice and he always left everything out there. I was flipping through the channels a few nights ago and found a game from the 1997 or 1998 playoffs, can’t seem to remember who we were playing, but whoever it was it was a tight series. LeClair was on the ice with Lindros, and he broke to the net for a rebound. One of the defensemen on the ice hit him right in the face with a high stick. The ref looked at the cut and made the call while LeClair made his was towards the bench for a towel. Now most players would have went into the dressing room to get it taken care of and then return to the bench. Not Leclair. He wiped the blood off his chin and went right back to the ice while bleeding. I was flabbergasted to say the least that this guy was bleeding from a gash on his face and still stayed out to help his team capitilize on their opportunity.
Although LeClair never official announced that he retired, I think this is a good spot to recognize his career and see that he really called it quits. So friends and fans of the best team in hockey, recognize his induction as one of the best Flyers to ever play finally getting the recognition he deserves. I accepted a long time ago that being a Flyer fan was one of the hardest things to do because you are automatically at a disadvantage. There are always calls against us just because we are who we are, we are always called the dirtiest team in the league, our great players are never recognized until they slash someone intentionally or they retire. I know this will never change, but I will always bask in the glory of the celebration of our great players’ careers and I hope you will join me. Enjoy the day and LETS GO FLYERS!!