Price, Bergeron join 2026 Hockey Hall of Fame class
Six new members, including five players and one builder, were inducted in Toronto on Monday.
By Yuki Melnyk ·
Carey Price stood before the audience in downtown Toronto on Monday, reflecting on a childhood vision that has now become reality. The 39-year-old former goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens joined five others in entering the Hockey Hall of Fame. The new class includes Patrice Bergeron, Pekka Rinne, Keith Tkachuk, Cindy Curley, and builder Brian Burke.
Price spent his entire 15-season career with Montreal. He was selected fifth overall in the 2005 draft. His career record stands at 361 wins, 261 losses, and 79 overtime losses. He posted a .917 save percentage, a 2.51 goals-against average, and 49 shutouts in 712 games. His career ended early due to a knee injury after the 2021-22 season.
During his time in the league, Price earned the Hart Trophy for MVP and the Vezina Trophy for the top goaltender in 2015. He also received the Ted Lindsay Award from the players' association that same year. In 92 playoff games, he recorded a .919 save percentage, a 2.39 goals-against average, and eight shutouts. He guided the Canadiens to the 2021 Stanley Cup final.
"All I can ever really remember wanting to be was a hockey player," Price said during his induction speech. He recalled growing up in a remote community where the odds were slim. He noted that the opportunity required sacrifice, specifically time, from a young family.
Patrice Bergeron, 41, also entered the hall on Monday. He spent all 19 of his NHL seasons with the Boston Bruins, serving as captain for the final three. Bergeron won the Selke Trophy as the top defensive forward six times. He was selected 45th overall in the 2003 draft. His career totals include 1,040 points, consisting of 427 goals and 613 assists, in 1,294 regular-season games. He added 128 points in 170 playoff games before retiring in 2023. The duo helped Canada win the 2014 Olympic gold medal and the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
Pekka Rinne, 43, completed 15 seasons with the Nashville Predators. Selected 258th overall in 2004, he finished with a 369-213-75 record. He recorded a .917 save percentage, a 2.43 goals-against average, and 60 shutouts in 683 regular-season games. He won the Vezina Trophy in 2018.
"If there’s something that I want to pass on to any young athlete who’s watching tonight, it’s this: You don’t have to be the most highly touted prospect," Rinne said. He added that a player's path does not need to follow a specific template.
Cindy Curley, 62, captained the United States women's team to three silver medals at the world championships in the 1990s. Keith Tkachuk, 54, recorded 1,065 points in 1,201 games over 18 seasons. Brian Burke, 71, was inducted as a builder after managing several NHL teams, including the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, with whom he won the Stanley Cup in 2007.
Price joked before the ceremony that he would like to try an interactive game in the museum featuring a goaltender with equipment similar to his own. He said he was hoping to shoot on himself during the event.
Burke recalled receiving the call from the selection committee. He said he paused before responding. "Nobody starts playing hockey at 13 years old in Minnesota and says, 'Someday I’m going to be in the Hockey Hall of Fame,'" Burke said. He concluded by adding, "Unless you’re an idiot."
