Just like for the last ten years, Rod Brind’Amour was probably sitting around, waiting for a special call on Wednesday. After a spectacular playing career in the NHL, he’s been eligible for the Hall of Fame since 2013.
Rod Brind’Amour is 25th all-time in games played; he’s 62 in goals and 53rd in assists and points. He was the captain of the Carolina Hurricanes when they won their only Stanley Cup in 2006.
There’s a really strong case for Brind’Amour, but the Hall of Fame doesn’t seem to be persuaded. Every year since 2013, he’s been snubbed. Earlier this year, during the NHL playoffs, Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice praised Brind’Amour for his remarkable career. Maurice coached him when the Canes reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2002 and later during Brind’Amour’s late career.
“He touched all parts of the game as a player,” Maurice said. “He was a power-play guy, a penalty killer. He was a defensive forward and an offensive forward. all at the same time.”
But when the announcement about the Class of 2023 inductees came, Rod Brind’Amour was snubbed again. Instead, goalies Henrik Lundqvist, Tom Barrasso, and Mike Vernon, players Caroline Ouellette and Pierre Turgeon, and builders Ken Hitchcock and Pierre Lacroix got inducted. Once again, no Rod Brind’Amour.
Carolina Hurricanes, where Brind’Amour spent most of his playing days and where he’s now the head coach, was furious. They took to Twitter and posted a hilarious Tweet about it.
Check it out:
On social media, many agreed with the Canes.
”As a Panthers fan, I think Brind’Amour is so deserving. He was a great player and his intangibles as a player can’t be quantified. He is a great coach as well,” one said.
”I gotta hear the discussion in the boardroom on why Rod shouldn’t be selected,” another said.
”Seriously what else is there for this man to do to get into the HOF?????” A third added.
