TORONTO -- As the closing act of the Hockey Hall of Fame ceremony, Mike Modano had the benefit of experiencing the range of emotions encountered by the five inductees who went before him.
So, he knew he might be a bit emotional during his speech. Fortunately referee Bill McCreary, who gave his speech right before Modano, became a bit teary-eyed during his speech, allowing Modano to not be the first to have trouble with his emotions.
"Boy, wow," Modano said seconds after Brett Hull presented him with his Hall of Fame plaque. "Thanks Billy for choking up a little, so I don't look like the only one here crying."