Former Blackhawks star Jeremy Roenick is now a Hockey Hall of Famer
CHICAGO (CBS/AP) -- Jeremy Roenick was officially inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame Monday night.
Drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in 1988, Roenick played his first NHL games in Chicago before a bitter split as he was traded in 1996.
Roenick made amends as he took his place with the greats of the game—in particular then-Blackhawks Team President Bill Wirtz, who died in 2007; and Wirtz's son and successor, Rocky, who died in 2023.
"I would like to take this opportunity to apologize to the Wirtz family—especially Bill Wirtz. I wish I didn't let my ego get in the way of our contract talks, and you deserved more respect than I gave you. I hope you forgive me. Thank you, Rocky, for creating a dynasty. You left us too soon. And Danny, I'm sure you'll keep the great tradition going. I'm always here if you need me."
Roenick, 54, banked 1,216 points in 1,363 games with the Blackhawks, Phoenix Coyotes, Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks. The colorful, Boston-born winger added 122 points (53 goals, 69 assists) in 154 playoff contests.
Roenick helped lead the Blackhawks to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1992, though they lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins. He never ended up winning a Stanley Cup.
Roenick, who did win silver at the 2002 Olympics, had to wait 12 years to get his hall call.
"I love this game," he said. "It's been such a huge part of my life for most of my life."
