“Big Walt” Elected to U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame
Earlier this week the United States Hockey Hall of Fame announced its class of 2011, and wouldn’t you know it, one of our own is on the list. Keith “Big Walt” Tkachuk is one of five members of the 2011 class that will be enshrined into the Hall later this fall. The other members that will join Tkachuk in the Hall in Eveleth, Minn. include Chris Chelios, Gary Suter, Ed Snider and legendary broadcaster Mike “Doc” Emrick.
This is an incredible honor for one of the greatest American-born hockey players to play in the NHL. After the Winnipeg Jets selected Tkachuk with the 19th pick in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft, he honored that number by playing 19 seasons in the NHL, ending his illustrious career in St. Louis. Tkachuk, a pure sniper when he entered the league and known for doing the dirty work in front of the net in the latter part of his career, scored 538 goals over his 19 seasons in the league, becoming one of only four American-born players to reach the 500 goal plateau. It was only a matter of time before the U.S. HHOF came calling, and Tkachuk gladly answered that call.
The Melrose, Mass. native amassed a total of 1,065 points during his illustrious career, a notable feat that has not gone unrecognized. Tkachuk spent the last 10 years of his career donning the Blue Note, quickly becoming a fan favorite for his goal scoring abilities. In his first full three seasons with the Blues, he reached the 30-goal mark each year, and he totaled over 70 points two of those three seasons. Number 7 also provided invaluable leadership qualities, especially during the final few years in St. Louis. As the team has redeveloped and put its stock in its young talent over the past five seasons, they relied on wily veterans like Big Walt, who wore the “A”, to mentor the numerous up and coming stars that we root for today. After being traded to Atlanta towards the end of the 2006-07 season, Tkachuk was back in the blue for three more seasons before hanging up his skates. I’m sure everyone remembers the emotional scene after his last game at Scottrade Center when his sons joined him on the ice for a skate-around as he saluted the fans who rooted for him for the previous 10 years – who could have asked for a more fitting farewell?
This Hall of Fame class is truly unique, as all five members played crucial roles in the United States’ 1996 World Cup of Hockey victory over Canada in Montreal. Tkachuk, Chelios and Suter were all crucial members on what many believe to be the best American hockey team behind the infamous 1980 “Miracle” team, Emrick called the victory over the Canadians and Snider contributed by having Philadelphia (the team he owns), serve as the Americans’ home base during the tournament.
As Blues fans, we are fortunate to have had the chance to watch such a gritty, hard-nosed pure scorer play for our team for 10 years. Yes, he had some ups and downs during his time in St. Louis, but his dedication to the city and to growing the game of hockey in St. Louis is something that makes him truly unique. Congratulations to Big Walt and his entire family on this amazing accomplishment, he truly deserves this honor as one of the greatest Americans to ever play in the NHL.
