Mike Modano officially enters the Hockey Hall of Fame

November 17, 2014November 18, 2014 MiHockey Staff

By @MichaelCaples –

John Davidson introduced him as “Hockey’s All-American.”

For most people reading this article, he’s a guy from Livonia that lived out any hockey player’s wildest dreams.

Mike Modano officially entered the Hockey Hall of Fame tonight, welcomed in by former teammate Brett Hall. Modano, the Michigan hockey product who left home for junior hockey and returned to conclude his career with the Red Wings, finished with the most points of any American-born player in the NHL.

The man considered by many to be the person responsible for hockey sticking in Texas after the Minnesota North Stars moved south in 1993, Modano led the Dallas Stars to a Stanley Cup championship in 1999.

He was the last player honored by the Hockey Hall of Fame committee Monday evening, giving his speech to close the induction show.

Modano fought back tears while thanking Rick Wilson, who invited the top-tier prospect to play for the Prince Albert Raiders of the WHL, and Bob Gainey, his longtime coach with the Stars franchise.

However, the most memorable part of his speech was Modano’s message to his parents. Here’s what the new hall-of-famer had to say:

“Something great happened this summer, July 10 my wife gave birth to twins, Jack and Kate. As soon as I saw them, I wanted to call my mom and dad and apologize for the constant headaches I gave them throughout the years. I never truly knew how much they loved me until that moment. Mom and Dad, I want you to know how much I love you, thank you for all your sacrifices you made for me to play hockey. The early-morning practices on the weekend when Dad was off work, having to buy hockey gear every year because I was out-growing it, countless hours on the road traveling to hockey tournaments, mainly of them going up and down the 401 going from Detroit to Toronto. And Mom, you made the best ice and the smoothest ice in town in the backyard, and you were never afraid to grab the garbage can and get in the net when we needed a goalie. Those moments, I’ll never forget. You both were with me every step of the way. I couldn’t be who I am if it wasn’t for you, and I hope to be half the parent you were to me with both Jack and Kate.”

Modano also had a message for his new children:

“Today, my dreams came true, and one day, yours will too. I promise to be there every step of the way, the way my parents were with me.”