Brian Leetch among 2009 Hall of Fame Inductees

Brian Leetch was named today as one of the 5 inductees being honored this year by the Hockey Hall of Fame. Leetch played in 1205 NHL regular season games over 18 seasons, compiling 1028 points (247-781-1028) and a career +/- rating of +25. Leetch was a 9-time NHL All Star. He won the Calder Trophy in '89-'90 as rookie of the year and won the Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenseman twice ('91-'92 & '96-'97). Leetch spent parts of 16 seasons with the New York Rangers, who he won a Stanley Cup with in 1994. Leetch's impressive performance during the Rangers '94 Cup run earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy (playoff MVP) that year. The defenseman, who played his college hockey at Boston College, returned to Boston to finish up his hockey career with the Boston Bruins. Leetch played 61 games for the B's during the '05-'06 season before hanging 'em up in the off-season.

Brett Hull, Luc Robitaille, Steve Yzerman, and Lou Lamoriello (builder) will join Leetch as members of this year's Hockey Hockey of Fame induction class.