Jeremy Roenick is one of the best American-born players in NHL history, with over 500 goals to his name. In 2024, he was rightfully inducted into the Hall of Fame. But when he got the phone call from Lanny McDonald, something embarrassing happened…
With 500 goals, more than 1,200 points, and over 1,400 penalty minutes in an NHL career spanning more than 20 seasons, Jeremy Roenick established himself as one of the greatest players of the 1990s.
Got the call from Lanny McDonald
He retired in 2009 after playing for the Chicago Blackhawks, Phoenix Coyotes, Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, and San Jose Sharks. In 2024, Roenick was inducted into the Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame chairman, Lanny McDonald, called Roenick to give him the news. But Roenick wasn’t exactly prepared.
READ MORE: Jeremy Roenick scared a teammate to jump through a window
Jeremy Roenick Hall of Fame call
Roenick was at a Starbucks when he got the call, and he became very emotional upon hearing the news.
“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,” Roenick said.
“I had just gotten out of the gym and saw a 416 number, and I froze. This is crazy for me. When you wait for it—and I waited for it—never knowing if it would happen, it means more because it hit me really, really hard. The tears came, and I didn’t expect to have that much of an emotional reaction, but I did,” Roenick told Sportskeeda about the call.
During the conversation, Lanny McDonald could tell how emotional Roenick was.
“So are you laughing or crying? Or do you just not believe us?” McDonald asked.
“No, I’m crying. Because I’m so happy. I can’t thank you enough. I can’t thank you enough,” Roenick replied.
You can watch the call below.
READ MORE: Jeremy Roenick took the Blackhawks drinking before a game
