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Francis Reacts to Hall of Fame Induction

• Ken Medlin: Francis reflects on Hall of Fame
• Press Conference - Ron Francis: Hall Of Famer
• Ken Medlin: Francis a No-Brainer for Hockey Hall of Fame

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Jul 12, 2007

Ron Francis made a career out of making his teammates better. Now, as he prepares to be inducted into the hockey hall of fame, he is giving them the credit.

"As a guy who didn't skate well, I relied on my teammates more than many of the other players going into the Hall of Fame," Francis admitted.

His skating ability might not have been world class, but it didn't stop Francis from placing second all-time in assists and fourth all-time in points.

"I found it comical that when I came in, I didn't skate well enough," Francis joked.

But, what he lacked in speed he made up for in savvy. He was the ultimate thinking man's player, as evidenced by his 1249 career assists.

"I've been fortunate to have players around me to finish those passes," Francis said humbly.

Ron Francis was as close to a Hall of Fame lock as a player can be, but he still wasn't counting his Hall of Fame chickens.

"I go back to when I was 3rd in scoring and I didn't make the All-Star game...so I decided to wait before getting too confident."

Ron Francis had one of the great hockey careers of all-time, and on Monday November 12th he'll take his rightful place in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

• Reporter: Ken Medlin
• Web Editor: Ryan Craig

Most Recent Comments

By camanderikfan
Posted Jul 13, 4:41 p.m.

Rank: Towel Boy
Posts: 1
Joined: Dec, 2006
Location: Wilson, NC

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Stormy13 very well said. I've heard that a lot of the other NHL teams are in no way as appreciative of their fan support like our Canes are. Even Rod will slow down and say he needs to get the kid's home if he doesn't stop for autographs. Ron truly deserves this and I'm happy he's back working for the canes

By iceman2262
Posted Jul 13, 3:07 p.m.

Rank: Bench Warmer
Posts: 45
Joined: Apr, 2007
Location: Raleigh, NC

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GOOD FOR YOU RON!! YOU DA MAN!!!!!

By packandcanesfan
Posted Jul 13, 12:56 p.m.

Rank: All Star
Posts: 444
Joined: Dec, 2006
Location: Raleigh, NC

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Congrats Ronnie. Well deserved. It will be an honor to see you in the HHOF. Hockey players are very down to earth and appreciate their fans. Very refreshing.

By Stormy13
Posted Jul 13, 10:34 a.m.

Rank: Towel Boy
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Joined: Mar, 2007
Location: Raleigh, NC

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I secnd BottomLine's comments, but need to add, not just major league ball players could take a lesson from hockey players, other NHL team players could take a lesson. We Carolina Hurrican fans don't realize how great we have it here having access to the players as we do and for them to respond as well as they do to us fans. Ron, congrads, couldn't have happened to a more deserving guy!

By BottomLine
Posted Jul 13, 9:48 a.m.

Rank: Towel Boy
Posts: 12
Joined: Dec, 2006
Location: Raleigh, NC

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Congratulations Ron - you are an excellent role model. I've bumped into you a number of times are the rink with your children and mine - you have always taken time to stop and greet the children and fans - I can't tell you how impressed and appreciative they were. Not to stereotype - but major league ball players could take a few lessons from hockey players ... Thanks and congrats to Ronnie & best wishes in your assignment with the Canes !