The National Hockey League has unveiled the initial six players selected for its prestigious Quarter-Century Team. This first group of honorees includes legendary figures Jarome Iginla, Nicklas Lidstrom, Joe Sakic, Zdeno Chara, Teemu Selanne, and Joe Thornton. All six players began their illustrious NHL careers before the year 2000, and their selection was announced by the league on Thursday.
From 2000 through 2017, Jarome Iginla was a dominant force, tallying 556 goals and 1,148 points over 1,285 games. The former captain of the Calgary Flames had a career-defining season in 2001-02, leading the entire league in both goals (52) and points (96), accomplishments that earned him the Ted Lindsay Award.
Nicklas Lidstrom patrolled the Detroit Red Wings` blue line from 2000 to 2012, accumulating 691 points during that span. The exceptional Swedish defenseman secured four Stanley Cups throughout his career, with two of those championships coming within the 21st century. He was also recognized among the NHL`s 100 Greatest Players in 2017.
Joe Sakic served as captain of the Colorado Avalanche for an impressive 17 seasons. Between 2000 and 2009, he was a prolific scorer for the team, registering 244 goals and 639 points in 567 games. Sakic also demonstrated clutch performance in the playoffs, recording 96 points in 94 post-season appearances, and was a key leader in the Avalanche`s two Stanley Cup victories (1996 and 2001).
Known for his imposing stature and defensive prowess, the towering Zdeno Chara (six-foot-nine, 250 pounds) was a formidable presence on the ice for many years, particularly as a defenseman for the Boston Bruins. He played a vital role in the Bruins` Stanley Cup win and was awarded the Norris Trophy as the league`s best defenseman during the 2008-09 season.
Teemu Selanne played a pivotal role in the Anaheim Ducks capturing their sole Stanley Cup championship in 2007. The player nicknamed “The Finnish Flash” also lit the lamp frequently, scoring 356 goals throughout the 2000s. Like Lidstrom, Selanne was honored by being named one of the NHL`s 100 Greatest Players.
Over the 25-year period being celebrated, Joe Thornton participated in a remarkable 1,541 regular season games, playing for the Bruins, Sharks, Maple Leafs, and Panthers. During this time, he amassed 402 goals and 1,057 assists. A unique achievement in his career came during the 2005-06 season when he became the only player in NHL history to win both the Hart Trophy (league MVP) and the Art Ross Trophy (scoring leader) in a season where he was traded between teams.
The NHL Quarter-Century Team aims to recognize the top 25 players who played between the years 2000 and 2025, based on voting by hockey fans. The league is expected to announce more players joining the team on Friday.
Tristan Blackwood