By the Letters: Vezina, Vachon, and Vernon—The Hockey Hall of Fame’s “V” Trio
In the storied NHL history, letter "V" is a rare find in the Hockey Hall of Fame. While letters like "S" or "M" are packed with legends, only three players in the Hockey Hall of Fame’s history share a surname starting with “V”. Even more striking? All three were goalies. From the NHL’s infancy to the modern era, Georges Vezina, Rogatien "Rogie" Vachon, and Mike Vernon stand as the “V” Trio.
Cool Fact: Andy Van Hellemond is the only other individual with a surname beginning with “V” inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame (1999; Referee/Linesperson Category).
Vezina, Georges: The Chicoutimi Cucumber
As a star goalie for the Montreal Canadiens (1910-1925), Georges Vezina earned the nickname “Chicoutimi Cucumber” for his calm composure in the crease. Alongside a remarkable 327 consecutive regular-season games, Vezina backstopped Montreal to Stanley Cups in 1916 and 1924. Vezina’s career, though, was cut short by illness. To honour his legacy, the Montreal Canadiens donated the Vezina Trophy to the NHL.
Hockey Hall of Fame (Georges Vezina) – Inducted in 1945
Vachon, Rogie: The King of the Crease
It took several decades for another "V" to join the Hockey Hall of Fame (Player Category). Rogie Vachon burst onto the scene in Montreal, helping the Canadiens win three Stanley Cups between 1968 and 1971. However, Vachon became a true icon after a trade to the Los Angeles Kings. With the Kings, Vachon wasn't just a goalie; he was—arguably—the franchise’s first legitimate superstar (e.g., team MVP four times between 1973-1977). When the Kings retired his number 30, it was the first time in franchise history a player received that honour.
Hockey Hall of Fame (Rogie Vachon) – Inducted in 2016
Vernon, Mike: The Big-Game Performer
The final piece of the "V" trio is Mike Vernon, a goalie who knew how to win when it mattered most. In Calgary, Vernon became a local hero in 1989 when he helped lead the Flames to their first Stanley Cup title. Years later, he helped the Detroit Red Wings snap a 42-year championship drought. Vernon’s 1997 playoff performance earned him a second Stanley Cup ring and the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
Hockey Hall of Fame (Mike Vernon) – Inducted in 2023
V: A Hockey Hall of Fame Legacy Between the Pipes
Georges Vezina, Rogie Vachon, and Mike Vernon played in vastly different hockey eras, yet they share a bond beyond a single letter. These three legendary goalies help represent the evolution of—arguably—the toughest position in sports; from iron-man endurance to acrobatic stardom and clutch, championship performances. The letter “V” section in the Hockey Hall of Fame (Player Category) might only include three legendary goalies, but it is—undeniably—an elite section.