Cam Neely never expected this. Ever.
To be immortalized alongside the greatest men to ever skate in a hockey game is almost too much for him to comprehend.
“I’m still having trouble getting my head around it,” Neely said Tuesday morning.
That was Neely’s first morning as an Honoured Member of the Hockey Hall of Fame. The ultimate recognition for a man who was the ultimate power forward in his far-too-short Bruins career.
In 10 years, wearing black and gold, Neely did everything the fans wanted. He could deke his way around an opponent, but was even happier decking an opponent.
“When I was a kid, I skated around everyone,” recalled Neely. “When I got to the NHL, I realized I couldn’t do that anymore, so I had to go through guys to get to the net.”
And get to the net he did. Despite battling injuries throughout the second half of his career, Neely still has more playoff goals than anyone else in Bruins history. He could do it all – staple an opponent to the glass with a devastating hit, drop the gloves and settle things the old-fashioned way, and create a Garden eruption with a key goal late in a game.
It’s why he became one of the team’s most popular players ever, and why he remains so popular today.
“It was something I didn’t expect,” said Neely of the instant rapport he built with the fans. “I just equate it to the fact that they liked the way I played the game. They liked the physical style of the game. The building, the way I played it just all came together I guess.”
Of course, there is much more to the Neely story. If compassion had a hall of fame, he’d be there, too. He lost both of his parents to cancer while still playing hockey, and he’s never forgotten the hell his family went through in those dark times. He created the Cam Neely Foundation for Cancer Care, a charity that continues to help cancer patients and their families to this day.
He never won a Stanley Cup, but Neely is a champion for more important reasons today.
Neely’s drive, passion, and style of play serves as a reminder of how great the game of hockey can be. Last weekend, the game let Neely know it hasn’t forgotten. His career may not have lasted as long as anyone wanted, but Hall of Fame status is awarded for quality, not quantity.
And you won’t find a more quality individual than Cam Neely.
Lewiston native Tom Caron is NESN sports analyst for Red Sox and Bruins telecasts.
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