Eric Lindros inducted in the Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame in 2016
Five inspirational athletes were recognized as 2016 Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame inductees this week at Oshawa City Hall. This included former NHL player Eric Lindros.
Eric Lindros has been an inspiration for hockey fans of all ages in the Durham Region. Hockey fans from past generations remember watching “Big E” play for the Oshawa Generals.
Lindros led the Oshawa Generals to three straight Memorial Cup Championships in the early 1990’s. He is the second player in Generals history to have his jersey number, number 88, retired and hung above the ice at the GM Centre.
While playing in the Ontario Hockey League; Eric Lindros tallied 180 goals, 200 assists, and 437 penalty minutes. A true leader on the ice and off.
Lindros said his favourite part about playing for the Oshawa Generals was the success.
“Winning,” Lindros said with a smile. “The city really got behind me and the team. The feelings the fans gave us was great. People would know who I was in public. I’d be in Mr. Sub and someone would say ‘hello.’”
Lindros said he was contacted several days prior to the City Council meeting.
“It was twelve days ago,” Lindros said. “I got a phone call. They left a message; and when I returned their call I was given the news.”
Lindros is very excited to be apart of the Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame.
“It’s a true honor to be inducted,” Lindros said. “I loved playing for the Oshawa Generals. The coaching staff was very good to me. I have so many memories here.”
When asked about his OHL penalty minutes; Lindros laughed and replied with a joke.
“I really don’t think it was that much,” Lindros said.
The three-time World Junior Hockey gold medalist was selected first overall in the 1991 NHL draft by the Quebec Nordiques before being traded to the Philadelphia Flyers. Soon after, Lindros established himself as one of the top players in the NHL.
In 1995, Lindros won the Hart Trophy. In his 13-season career, he played in six NHL all-star games.
Hockey analysts were quick to notice Eric’s talent and determination. Eric Lindros was given the nickname “the next one.” A reference to Wayne Gretzky’s nickname “the great one.”
In 2002, Eric Lindros won an Olympic gold medal in Salt Lake City playing for team Canada in the men’s hockey event.
Lindros retired from NHL competition in 2007. He earned 865 points in his 760-game NHL career.
The 2016 Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony takes place at the Oshawa City Hall on May 25, 2016. A ceremony with over thirty years of history; one that Eric Lindros has been selected to be apart of.
