Times’ Elliott Honored by Hockey Hall

Helene Elliott, national hockey writer for The Times, was named Thursday to receive the Hockey Hall of Fame’s 2005 Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award for distinguished hockey writing.

“Helene Elliott is a pioneer among female sports journalists,” said Kevin Allen, president of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Assn. “But she has truly been a role model for sportswriters of both genders. Her ethics are unquestionable. Her reporting is beyond reproach. Her prose is lively. Her professionalism is of the highest order.

“There is no one in this business any more respected than Helene.”

Elliott, who joined The Times’ staff in 1989, will receive her award Nov. 7 at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, before the ceremony honoring this year’s inductees, who will be announced June 8.

Broadcaster Sal Messina, longtime analyst with the New York Rangers, will receive the 2005 Foster Hewitt Memorial award for broadcasting excellence at the same time.