JD Wins Foster Hewitt Memorial Award, Leetch on Hall ballot

June 4, 2009   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

Congratulations to John Davidson on winning the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award. The former Ranger goalie went on to become one of the best color analysts in the business- serving as MSG Ranger analyst for 20 years teaming with Sam Rosen to form one of the best broadcast tandems while also working for CBC and as a lead color analyst on network TV over that time period.

The man known to many as JD won the lifetime achievement honor given out since 1984 to the legendary HNIC announcer who sets the standard for excellence in hockey. The current St. Louis Blues Team President -who’s done a remarkable job turning the organization around that included their first postseason appearance since 2004- is extremely deserving of such a wonderful award as he was truly one of the best. I’m far from alone in calling him the John Madden of our sport.

Not only was he great behind the mic but also as nice a person as you could meet. So many times, we’d see him and Rosen following a disappointing season at a Draft Party and not once did he ever seem down despite the team’s struggles. The man along with his former MSG partner always treated fans with respect and were very personable. This is a common quality that’s been seen in this metro area with Doc Emrick, Chico Resch, Howie Rose, Joe Micheletti and Billy Jaffe, who all have done a fine job covering our teams throughout the years.

It’s always great to see a nice guy get rewarded. Last year, it was Doc’s turn when he was inducted into the Hockey Hall Of Fame. This November 9 in Toronto as part of the HHOF weekend, Davidson will receive his award at a luncheon presentation. Fitting since many of the aforementioned guys above should be present along with other great former colleagues.

Congrats once again to a great man on such an honor.

Leetch On Hall Ballot: This year’s HHOF induction could indeed be a very special one for Ranger fans with former great defenseman Brian Leetch on the ballot.

It’s expected that the all-time franchise leader in assists (741) while placing second in points (981) will be inducted on the first ballot along with sure Hall Of Famers Steve Yzerman, Brett Hull and Luc Robitaille. Former Sabre, Devil and Maple Leaf Alexander Mogilny is also on the ballot but likely will be left out. Only four players can be elected in one year.

The former Calder and two-time Norris winner had a memorable postseason 15 years ago leading all scorers with 34 points (11-23-34)- becoming the only American to win the Conn Smythe as the Rangers ended their 54-year Stanley Cup drought. His 240 goals and 981 points remain club records for most by a defenseman. His 61 assists and 89 points are Ranger playoff records. The club honored No.2 retiring his jersey on Jan.24, 2008. Later that year, he was inducted along with former teammate Mike Richter into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame.

Congrats also go out to Pittsburgh Penguins beat writer Dave Molinari, who will receive the Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award. Essentially the Hewitt for newspaper journalists.