Carey Price, the renowned former goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens, has been officially inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame's 2026 class, alongside other hockey greats including Patrice Bergeron, Pekka Rinne, Keith Tkachuk, and Cindy Curley. Price's journey to this prestigious honor has been one filled with challenges and triumphs, reflective of the sacrifices he made during his youth while pursuing his hockey dreams in a remote area of British Columbia.
The moment Price received the news of his induction in June was a poignant one; he was on his way to visit his grandmother in the hospital when the call from the Hockey Hall of Fame came through. "I was excited. I got to spend the rest of the day with my grandmother, who made a recovery," he recalled. This seems fitting for someone who has spent his life overcoming hurdles, both on and off the ice.
Price's NHL career spanned 15 seasons, all with Montreal, where he was the No. 5 pick in the 2005 NHL Draft. His accolades include winning the Hart Trophy in 2015 as the league’s Most Valuable Player and the Vezina Trophy as the top goaltender. Price finished his career with a respectable record of 361 wins, 261 losses, and 79 ties, along with a .917 save percentage and a 2.51 goals-against average over 712 regular-season games.
Despite his injuries that occasionally hindered his performance, Price's playoff statistics tell a story of resilience and excellence. He boasted a .919 save percentage, a 2.39 GAA, and eight shutouts in 92 playoff games, including an impressive run with the underdog Canadiens, who reached the Stanley Cup final in 2021.
Reflecting on his journey, Price expressed gratitude towards his family, especially his father, for their unwavering support throughout his childhood, which involved countless hours traveling to games. "A very large part of my childhood, spending time in planes and trucks and cars with my dad," he reminisced. This dedication eventually translated into an illustrious career that saw him also represent Canada in international competitions.
Joining him in the 2026 Hall of Fame class is Patrice Bergeron, a forward beloved by fans of the Boston Bruins. A six-time Selke Trophy winner, Bergeron had a longstanding career where he accumulated 1,040 points over 1,294 regular-season games. He emphasized the honor of induction, especially reflecting on his journey and the people who supported him along the way.
Carey Price and Patrice Bergeron shared moments of success while wearing the Canadian jersey, winning gold at the 2010 Olympics and the 2014 Olympic Games, alongside the World Cup of Hockey in 2016. Bergeron acknowledged Price's legendary status in hockey, stating that playing with him made the experience more enjoyable.
The 2026 induction ceremony will also celebrate Pekka Rinne, a standout goalie for the Nashville Predators, who accumulated a 369-213-75 record and won the Vezina Trophy in 2018. Keith Tkachuk, known for his impressive scoring record, will be recognized alongside his NHL-playing sons, Matthew and Brady, who will be present at the ceremony.
Additionally, Cindy Curley, a trailblazer in women’s hockey, will be honored for her contributions to the sport, having captained the U.S. national team to multiple silver medals in the 1990s. Brian Burke, with a notable management career across various NHL teams, will be inducted as a builder, reflecting on his achievements in the league.
As the Hall of Fame prepares to welcome its new class, Carey Price’s journey from the roads of British Columbia to becoming one of hockey's greats stands as a testament to his hard work and determination, inspiring future generations of athletes.
