AHL inducts four into Hall of Fame

PORTLAND, Maine — If you like snow and ice, then the American Hockey League All-Star game is the place to be. Over a foot of snow has fallen on this quaint New England town, but it hasn’t dampened the spirits of AHL fans, executives, media, players and other VIPs. The event is more than just the league’s best players facing off against each other for bragging rights. It encompasses an entire series of events including a skills competition, the AHL Hall of Fame induction ceremony, various executive meetings and of course, the All-Star game. I was fortunate to be able to witness the Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

“Today is a special day for the league as we reflect on our storied past by inducting four new members into the AHL Hall of Fame,” AHL President and CEO Dave Andrews said. “The class of 2010 is highlighted by John Paddock, Macgregor Kilpatrick, Marcel Paille’ and Bill Sweeney.” Paddock played for ten years with the Maine Mariners, winning the Calder Cup twice. He went on to coach the Mariners to a third Calder Cup, then moved on to the Hershey Bears, leading them to an historic 12-0 playoff run in 1988 enroute to another Calder Cup win. “It’s definitely an honor to be elected to the hall of Fame,” Paddock said in a Pro Hockey News interview. “It’s not something you expect and it never crossed my mind until last September when (the league) notified me about it. This is something I really don’t have any words for.” Being inducted in the city where he played and coached was especially rewarding. “It’s really unique and special,” Paddock said. “Professionally, a lot of things happened here. Personally, my three oldest daughters were born here. There’s not much else I can say.” Kilpatrick will most be remembered as one of the AHL’s most respected executives. He owned the New Haven Franchise in 1972. That franchise went to three Calder Cup finals in seven years. The team that finishes with the best overall record at the end of the season receives an award named for him. Kilpatrick passed away in 1997 at the age of 81. Marcel Paille’ appeared in 765 games for six clubs between 1956 and 1974. Paille’ ranks second in AHL history with 349 wins and is tied for fourth with 36 shutouts. He holds AHL records for games played by a goaltender in both the regular season and the playoffs. His shutout streak of more than 207 minutes during the 1964 playoffs remains a league postseason record. Paille’ passed away in 2002 at the age of 69. Bill Sweeney scored 31 goals and had 46 assists in his 1957-58 rookie season with the Providence Reds, winning the Dudley “Red” Garrett Award as the league’s outstanding rookie. He moved on to Springfield where he helped lead the team to a record three consecutive Calder Cups, amassing 96, 108 and 101 points respectively. He is one of only ten players who has as many as 800 career points. Sweeney passed away in 1991 at the age of 54.Brian Burke, President and General manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, gave the keynote speech. Speaking directly to this year’s all stars, he talked about why these inductees and hockey players in general are so important to the game. “It’s all about respecting the game,” Burke said. “Hockey players have the best reputation of all professional athletes when it comes to respecting the game, the fans, the media and other players. Some of you have played in the NHL and many of you will. Never forget what I said about respect! Contact the writer at: mitch.cooper@prohockeynews.com Photos by the author Background information provided by the AHL. Additional information can be found at their home page at: www.theahl.com