Ryan Smyth and Jaromir Jagr voted to receive incredible honour together
Moments ago, the IIHF announced their new additions to their Hall of Fame. Among the inductees this season are two NHL legends in Ryan Smyth and Jaromir Jagr. Most of the nominations are given to players for their contributions to international hockey specifically.
Ryan Smyth is still a legend amongst the Edmonton Oilers fanbase. Smyth played for the Oilers for 15 years and proudly loved the city and the team - always exemplified by the tearful goodbye he gave to Edmonton when he was traded to the Islanders in 2007. From 2011-2014, Smyth returned to end his career with the Oilers. In international hockey, Smyth was the heartbeat of Team Canada for years. He's won six gold medals across numerous international tournaments, and served as team captain for six years - earning himself the nickname of Captain Canada.
Jaromir Jagr on the other hand is a hockey legend that transcends borders and arguably time as well. Now 51 years old, Jagr is still playing for his team in the Czech Pro League, the Kladno Knights. Across his career, the Czech native has amassed the second most points in NHL history, only behind Wayne Gretzky. He's also led the Czech team in numerous international tournaments under the IIHF, most recently in 2015. He's won multiple gold medals with Czechia as well, including two World Championships and one Olympic gold medal in 1998.
It's a fantastic honour to two players that deserve the recognition perhaps more than anyone. They'll join a class of six other at the IIHF Hall of Fame induction that will take place at the upcoming World Championship in Czechia this May.
| POLL | ||
When will Jagr officially retire and be inducted to the NHL hall of fame? | ||
| 1 year | 118 | 34.2 % |
| 2 years | 99 | 28.7 % |
| 3 years | 39 | 11.3 % |
| 4 years or more | 89 | 25.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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