Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

HHOF: A Culmination and a Continuation

December 12, 2022, 2:46 PM ET [0 Comments]
Paul Stewart
Blogger •Former NHL Referee • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Follow Paul on Twitter: @PaulStewart22



A few weeks ago, the United States Hockey Hall of Fame inducted its newest members. The Class of 2022 included Ryan Miller, sled hockey standout Steve Cash, the late Jim Johannson, and twin sisters Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson and Monique Lamoureux-Morando along with the late goaltender and goalie coach Warren Strelow, whose legacy was honored with the Lester Patrick Trophy for his service to hockey in the United States. My slightly belated but heartfelt congratulations go out to all of this year's honorees and their families.

It's hard to put into words what an honor like that means. More than anything else, it's humbling. It's also not "just" a culmination. It's a continuation. After the ceremony, the ongoing job is still to earn and deserve this honor every day. Pay forward to others the knowledge and generosity that your mentors imparted to you. Give back to the game in whatever ways that you can.

My United Stated Hockey Hall of Fame induction night was four years ago in December 2018. For as long as I am on this earth, it will be one of the greatest nights of my life. I had so many friends and family members there with me, either physically or in spirit. On that evening especially, I very strongly felt the presence of my grandfather who preceded me into the US Hall, the late Bill Stewart, and my father, Bill Stewart Jr.

I think the suit I wore on my induction evening is one of the "best" that I have ever worn. It was a Brooks Brothers. Not the cough drop guys or were those the Smith Brothers, Trade and Mark? Or the Pine Brothers? Anyway, I am honored to this day to have been enshrined with a class of people who are all legends for their accomplishments and lives in hockey. Truly, one of the GREATEST honors in my life.

My plaque along with some other mementos are proudly displayed in a glass case just aside of The Frank, Junie, O'Brien Arena at the Groton School. I am a proud alumnus, Class of ' 72 at Groton and a member of The Groton School Hall of Fame. I always considered myself a "good" player on GREAT teams while at Groton. 2002 is our 50th anniversary year. Where does the time go?



**********

A 2018 inductee into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame, Paul Stewart holds the distinction of
being the first U.S.-born citizen to make it to the NHL as both a player and referee. On March 15, 2003, he became the first American-born referee to officiate in 1,000 NHL games.
Join the Discussion: » 0 Comments » Post New Comment
More from Paul Stewart
» Before the Playoffs, Time for a Goalie Interference Refresher
» The Stew: Kevin Pollack, We Nearly Missed, Thank You Fans
» Officiating: Reasonable Doubt vs Miscarriages of Justice
» My Advice to Matt Rempe
» Greig, Rielly and "The Code"