Hockey Trio Reaches Top

Three defensemen with nine combined Stanley Cup championships and diverse playing styles were inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on Monday.

Defensemen Ray Bourque, Paul Coffey and Larry Murphy were joined in Toronto by Cliff Fletcher, who was the architect of the Calgary Flames’ 1989 Stanley Cup championship team.

In the mold of Hall of Famer and former Boston Bruin Bobby Orr, Bourque earned a reputation as one of the best two-way defenseman in history, mixing great offensive skills with intelligent play in the defensive zone. During a 22-year career, Bourque amassed 410 goals and 1,169 assists in 1,612 games for the Boston Bruins and Colorado Avalanche. His 1,579 points are most among defensemen and rank ninth on the all-time scoring list.

“Now when I look back at what I’ve accomplished, I think ‘Wow! What a ride,’ ” Borque said.

The Montreal native played in two Stanley Cup finals in 20 seasons with the Bruins before ending his career with Colorado, where he hoisted the Stanley Cup in 2001. He appeared in the All-Star Game 19 times, trailing only Gordie Howe (23).

Playing for nine different franchises, including the Kings, Coffey produced 396 goals and 1,135 assists in 1,409 games over 21 seasons.

“I’d like to thank the Hockey Hall of Fame for this tremendous honor,” Coffey said. “Two days ago, we received our Hockey Hall of Fame jackets. [I felt] total pride and accomplishment.”

Producing 152 points in 215 postseason games, Murphy, who also played for the Kings, won four Stanley Cups during his career. He was part of consecutive title teams in 1991 and 1992 with the Penguins and in 1997 and 1998 with the Red Wings.

“On these walls are the greatest players that have ever played the game,” Murphy said. “To be included in this group is an affirmation of my career.”