Campbell shocked by election to Hockey Hall of Fame

After retiring in 1985, Campbell became an assistant coach with the Red Wings, a position that lasted until 1990. He then joined the Rangers as an associate coach for three seasons. He was named coach of Binghamton of the American Hockey League midway through. throughout the 1992-93 season – before being promoted to replace Mike Keenan as coach after New York’s 1994 Stanley Cup championship.

Campbell led the Rangers to the Stanley Cup Playoffs in each of his first three seasons as coach, including reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in 1997. His four-season record was 118-108 with 43 ties.

“Colin Campbell truly lived a hockey life,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. “Few people in the history of our great sport have dedicated themselves so much and in so many ways to serving and improving it.

“An accomplished junior player, Campbell forged an 11-year NHL playing career as a tough defenseman through his relentless dedication to his craft and selfless willingness to fight for his teammates. As an assistant coach, he was instrumental in establishing the foundation of what would become a dynasty in Detroit, then teamed up with Mike Keenan to lead the New York Rangers to their championship in 1994.

“As head coach of the Rangers, Campbell pulled off playoff upsets in each of his first three seasons, guiding New York to the Eastern Conference Finals in 1997.”

Shortly after being fired by the Rangers during the 1997-98 season, Campbell joined the League, where he spent the next quarter century impacting hockey operations, officiating and central recruitment.

As a result of all Campbell accomplished in the sport, Bettman said “no one is more richly deserving of a call to the Hockey Hall of Fame.”

“I often say that everything we do in the league starts with the game,” Bettman said. And since 1998, the match has been Colin’s responsibility. He was front and center at summits with players, coaches and executives who “opened up” the game in 2005. And he has played a central role in crafting every rule change and technological innovation since – including, can -being most notably, the modernization and centralization of video review of the rules of the game and additional discipline – all of which focused on promoting offense, speed and skill, whilst preserving the physical side of the game. These changes have transformed hockey at all levels around the world.

“I consider myself lucky to have had Colin by my side for the past 26 years and am proud to call him one of my closest friends. Since I’ve been in the game, no one has defined the term “builder” better.