Pronger headed to hockey Hall of Fame

PHILADELPHIA - The Hockey Hall of Fame announced that former Flyers captain Chris Pronger will be a member of the 2015 induction class. 

Pronger is one of seven individuals who will be officially enshrined at the Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremonies in Toronto on Monday, November 9. 

“We would like to congratulate Chris on his very deserving election into the Hockey Hall of Fame,” said Flyers president Paul Holmgren. “Prior to his career being cut short by injury, he was one of the greatest defensemen of all time. Chris played the game with a skill and tenacity that was second to none.  We are extremely proud of Chris and his accomplishments and wish him and his wife Lauren, along with their wonderful children, Jack, George and Lila, all the best.  Well done!”

Pronger was the 18th captain in Flyers history, serving in the role from September 16, 2011 to January 15, 2013.  He joined the Flyers on June 27, 2009 in a trade from Anaheim at the opening night of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft and went on to help the club reach the Stanley Cup Final in the 2009-10 season.  Pronger appeared in 145 games for the Flyers over three seasons, during which time he posted 15 goals and 77 assists for 92 points and a plus-30 rating, along with 133 PIM.

In addition to his time with the Flyers, Pronger also played for Hartford, St. Louis, Edmonton and Anaheim, the latter of which he helped win the Stanley Cup in 2007.  Pronger also won two Olympic gold medals with Team Canada, in 2002 and 2010, won both the Hart Trophy and Norris Trophy in 2000 while with St. Louis, and was a five-time NHL All-Star.  Over 18 seasons, Pronger collected 157 goals and 541 assists for 698 points in 1,167 games, along with a career plus-183 rating and 1,590 PIM.  He also scored 26 goals and added 95 assists for 121 points in 173 career playoff games.

Pronger becomes the 11th person to be inducted into the player category after spending a portion of his career playing for the Flyers.  He also becomes the fourth former Flyers captain to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, joining Peter Forsberg, Bob Clarke and Bill Barber.