It took a while, but the Russian Rocket finally got what he deserves and that’s induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Pavel Bure was one of the most electric players the Canucks have ever had – and that stat probably still sticks in today’s market.
He arrived upon the scene in Vancouver and spoke little or no English, so he was taken under the wing of Igor Larionov who spent time with the Canucks from 1989-90 to 91-92 season, then moved back to play in Europe for one year.
He was drafted by the Canucks in 1985 the 11th round (214th overall). From here he was claimed by the Sharks October 4th/02 in the NHL waiver draft.
He probably had more to do with the overall development of Pavel than any single other person. Igor is in Vancouver to attend the CHL Subway Super Series against players of the WHL who are playing the Russian Junior squad. Interesting to know that Igor was at the induction with Pavel and flew to Vancouver earlier today to attend the press conference at White Spot on 1616 West Georgia. Bure was inducted along with Adam Oates, (Burnaby) Joe Sakic and former Canuck Mats Sundin in the players’ category for the Hockey Hall Of Fame’s class of 2012.“Pavel was one of the greatest goal scorers of his generation,” said Canucks President and General Manager, Mike Gillis. “He was one of the most exciting players of his era providing highlight reel moments throughout his career.
It seemed every time he was on the ice, something was about to happen. He was an all-star, one of the best players in the League and deserving of this great honour of being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.”While with Vancouver, Bure tallied 478 points (254-224-478) in 428 games played. He holds franchise records for most points scored by a rookie (34-26-60 in 65 games played in 1991.92) and most shorthanded goals (24).
He also ranks in the top five in franchise history in game-winning goals (32), goals and hat-tricks (9). Bure shares the franchise lead in playoff goals with Trevor Linden, registering 34 in 60 playoff games with Vancouver. In 1994 his 16 playoff goals set a franchise record for most playoff goals in a playoff year and helped Vancouver to one win shy of a Stanley Cup Championship.
In 702 games with the Canucks, Florida Panthers and NY Rangers, Bure recorded 779 points (437-342-779) and 484 penalty minutes, leading his respective teams in goal scoring on seven occasions (1991.92-1994.95, 1997.98 VAN; 1999.00-2000.01 FLA).
In international play, Bure helped the Russian national team secure gold medals at the World Championships, World Junior Championships and European Junior Championships.
Bure first appeared on the international scene in 1989 at the U20 Championships in Alaska where he helped Russia secure a gold medal and was named a tournament all-star.
He finished the tournament with 14 points (8-6-14) in just seven games played to lead all Russian scorers and trail only Jeremy Roenick and Mike Modano in tournament scoring.
In two trips to the Winter Olympics, Bure helped Russia collect silver (1998 in Nagano) and bronze (2002 in Salt Lake City) respectively. He captained the Russian team in 1998 and recorded nine points (9-0-9) in six games.
In his second and final Olympic Games appearance, Bure was assistant captain and recorded three points (2-1-3) in six games.
Originally selected by Vancouver 113th overall in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft, Bure ranks fifth in scoring in his draft class and recorded more points per game (1.11) in his career than any of his peers drafted in 1989.
Fellow inductee and former Canucks forward Sundin spent his final NHL season with Vancouver in 2008.09 when he recorded 28 points (9-19-28) in 41 regular season games and eight points (3-5-8) in eight playoff games.
He finished third on the Canucks in playoff scoring behind Daniel and Henrik Sedin and finished ninth on the team in regular season scoring. In his NHL career spanning 18 seasons he compiled 1349 points (564-785-1349) in 1346 games played primarily with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Anyone that saw him play truly knows that this is long overdue!! Congratulations to Pavel.
