One of the top American-born hockey players is on his way to the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame.
Keith Tkachuk's induction will take place later this fall. His inclusion in the shrine to U.S. hockey, located in Minnesota, was announced today.
Tkachuk concluded a nearly two-decade career in 2010 as a member of the St. Louis Blues. He also played for the Winnipeg Jets, and traveled with the franchise to Phoenix. He was traded to the Blues in 2001, and remained here for nine years except for a four-month stint in Atlanta.
The four-time All-Star is one of just four American-born players to score 500 career goals. In the 1996-1997 season, while in Phoenix, he became the first American-born player to lead the league in goals.
Joining Tkachuk in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame are:
- Chris Chelios, the stalwart defenseman who played 26 seasons and retired last year;
- Gary Suter, another defenseman who played alongside Chelios with the Chicago Blackhawks;
- Philadelphia Flyers founder and current owner Ed Snider;
- Veteran play-by-play announcer Mike Emrick
Tkachuk is not yet eligible for inclusion in the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.
