Jeremy Roenick cries to the Chicago Blackhawks media and he says a lot

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Joshua Deeds
November 11, 2024 (11:10 PM)

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Jeremy Roenick has had a really good four months this year, this year he got the call of a lifetime, he'd be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

He was at a local Starbucks, and the announcement hit him like a train which led an emotion-riddled Roenick to pause to take in the news.

What was no longer attainable for the legendary Blackhawks winger, was a reality.

«I couldn't give them my money, couldn't get my coffee. The guy was looking at me with tears in my eyes. It was kind of embarrassing but also one of the greatest moments ever,» the 54-year-old said about being elected as part of the Class of 2024.

«I had just gotten out of the gym and saw a 416 number and I froze. This is crazy for me."

In the last few years, Jeremy Roenick's career was discussed off and on and NHL fans were puzzled by the fact he wasn't already a member of the Hall of Fame. Why does one of the best American-born wingers lack a spot in the Hall? Seems ludicrous.

There's been a media frenzy surrounding the former NHL winger, and announcer, since the announcement.

In September he gave us an idea of what he'd be donating to the Hall of Fame:

Roenick showed off some of the items from his illustrious career that he is donating to the hall. They include the 'Hawks' 75th anniversary jersey that Roenick wore when he scored his 50th goal, and his 2002 Team USA Olympic jacket. Roenick said taking his place in hockey immortality is still sinking in

Roenick evern went as far as to invite a loyal fan and friend to the Hall of Fame weekend to take in the spectacle:

While Tapaninen was battling cancer in 2007, he received an email from Roenick.

"It was just an outstanding feeling," Tapaninen said. "JR is contacting me, asking how I'm doing, how I'm feeling."

Tapaninen said he has a small man cave at home with Roenick memorabilia, including a trophy that Roenick received for his 1,200th NHL point. Roenick gave it to him.

Years ago, Tapaninen told Roenick that he wanted to be part of the celebration when Roenick made the Hall of Fame. He was in the audience Saturday at the Inductee Fan Forum.

You can tell Roenick is taking every moment in stride, and giving more and more than he has taken with the Hall of Fame weekend.

There'll never be another winger like you JR.

The whirlwind of emotions and festivities has concluded, but memories and legacies are etched in words and actions as they are in the HHOF.