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This week's hockey column is all about honouring five legends of the sport. An induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame is the greatest of accolades for a player or a "builder" in Lou Lamirello's case. This year's class of inductees is one of the most impressive in many years, with three of the top 10 all-time leading goal-scorers, one of the greatest defenceman to ever step onto the ice, and a GM that has worked in hockey for over 40 years and has built three Stanley Cup-winning teams. Here's a look at this year's honourees.

Luc Robitaille is the highest scoring left winger in history and 10th highest all-time. Over his 20-year career with the LA Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings (where he won a Stanley Cup alongside fellow inductees Brett Hull and Steve Yzerman in 2002) Robitaille cemented his legacy through hard work and determination. Drafted in the 9th round, no one expected much of the Montreal native. He shocked everyone by scoring 45 goals in his rookie season, going on to win the Calder Award in 1986. A long-time part of the Los Angeles Kings, Robitaille now works in the front office for the team as the President of Business Operations.

Brett Hull was born to score. Much like his father Bobby Hull, he had a deadly quick shot and a knack for getting open to receive a pass, only to blast into the net, leaving many goalies to fear the "Golden Brett." Like his peers, his achievements are many: third all-time in goals, 4th in hat-trick goals with 33 (a testament to how much of an impact player he was), eight-time All-Star, and winner of the Lester B. Pearson Award, the Lady Byng, as well as the Hart Memorial Trophy. He also won two Stanley Cups, with Dallas in 1999 and Detroit in 2002.

The third and most pivotal member of the 2002 Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings, Steve Yzerman was a top-quality leader on the ice, and continues to be a leader to this day as Vice-President of his beloved Wings and Executive Director of Team Canada. Over his illustrious 23-year career, whose totals place him 6th overall in points, 8th in goals and 7th in assists, the one record Yzerman should be proudest of is his 19 consecutive seasons as team captain. That is not only an NHL record, but the most of any North American professional sport. That statistic speaks more about Yzerman than any other. A 10-time All-Star who won three Stanley Cups as a player it is safe to say that there are very few team leaders like Yzerman.

Brian Leetch accumulated many individual honours during his 18-year career. He was a two-time Norris Trophy winner (1992, 1997) and also won the Conn Smythe Trophy during the Rangers' run to the 1994 Stanley Cup Championship. He is one of only five NHL defensemen to score 100 points in a season with his 102-point campaign in 1991""92. He won the Calder Trophy as the NHL Rookie of the Year in 1989 and his 23 goals that season remain an NHL record for rookie defensemen. A 10-time All-Star, he is arguably the best American-born player ever to play the game.

New Jersey Devils General Manager Lou Lamirello's list of accomplishments may nto seem quite as impressive as his fellow inductees. He never played a single NHL game. But his service to the game spans to the late 1960s, as a coach at Providence College in Rhode Island. Joining the Devils in 1987, he has seen his team through good times and bad. He is the longest-serving GM in NHL history. Known as a tough boss and shrewd negotiator, his accomplishments speak to his skills. AS either General Manager, President or even CEO of the Devils, Lamirello has lead his team to eight Division Titles, fourConference Titles, and three Stanley Cups. Most importantly (at least to me) he played a vital role in resolving the 2005-2006 NHL lockout.

These legends deserve the highest of praise for their hard work and dedication to their sport. Their names will be included with the likes of Maurice Richard, Bobby Orr, Gordie Howe, Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux.

Congratulations to all five inductees for their great careers.