He was a hockey player, a player with a wicked wrist shot, an all star, an olympian and a leader. Now, he's a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame.

The epilogue to the career of Joe Sakic has been written. During 20 years of professional hockey, Sakic accumulated enough accolades that were they military awards, they would outshine even the most decorated General, included among them two Stanley Cups, an Olympic gold medal, and a Hart trophy and Conn Smythe trophies.

He was more clutch than his Porsche, still holding the record with eight playoff overtime goals. He finished his career the eighth leading scorer, 14th in goals and 11th in assists. He brought the first professional sports championship to Denver and handed Ray Bourque his first and only Stanley Cup. Yet, with all this, all he'll ever do is smile sheepishly and wave to the crowd.

To the fans, Sakic was Super Joe, the superhero we all needed but not the one we deserved. He was there in the brightest days and the darkest nights, through the championships and the rebuilding years.

Now, he is enshrined for all time in the hockey hall of fame, a plaque filled with memories of championships and gold medals, of goals and assists. A plaque that is filled with everything that Sakic was and everything the fans remember him to be.

Congratulations on your nomination, Joe. After all you've given your team, your game and your fans, it is about time you received something that was all your own and fitting that it should be the highest honor any hockey player can receive.

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