Big Hatch Into U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame

He was an NHL All-Star, he’s been nominated for a Norris Trophy, he was the first and is still the only U.S. born player to Captain his team to a Stanley Cup, and now he’s being inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. At 6′5, 235 lbs, Derian Hatcher was a tower of strength on the blueline for the Stars for 12 seasons. He was selected 8th overall in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft and was easily worth the pick. He totalled 80 goals and 331 points in 1045 regular season games over 16 NHL seasons with Dallas, Detroit, and Philadelphia. Not overly shimmering offensive numbers, but any player who dared carry the puck within his range or stand infront of the net when he was on the ice can tell you that they paid a huge price. Hatcher could control the game without getting on the scoresheet. He was physically punishing, strong as an ox, and as mean as they came. He rivaled Scott Stevens as the best open ice hitter in the game. Though offense wasn’t his game, both his s...