Craig Conroy inducted into New York State Hockey Hall of Fame

In 2022, the New York State Hockey Hall of Fame held its very first induction class. Hosted in Troy, New York, the new institution aims to honour those who have contributed greatly to hockey in the state, with its inductees being a combination of those from New York who have achieved great things elsewhere and those from elsewhere who have achieved great things within the state. Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy was one of 16 honourees in the second induction class on Sunday night.

Also inducted with Conroy in the 2023 Hall of Fame class are Bryan Blomquist, Chris Fess, Stan Fischler, Jody Gage, Danny Gare, Ron Kuhl, Pierre Lucleblonde, Jessica Link, Barry Melrose, Mark Pavelich, Steve Riggs, Buzz Schneider, Dave Taylor, John Tonelli and Colette Youlen.

A product of Potsdam, New York, Conroy came up through local hockey systems and played four years in college at Clarkson University, captaining the team in his senior year. He was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in 1990, right out of high school, and went pro in 1994-95, beginning a lengthy career. He played 1,009 NHL games over 16 seasons for Montreal, St. Louis, Los Angeles and Calgary. He was a finalist for the Selke Trophy as the NHL’s top defensive forward twice. He also represented the United States at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey and the 2006 Winter Olympics. Since retiring, Conroy has been involved in the Flames’ front office, recently becoming the club’s general manager.

While Conroy hasn’t played for a New York based team since 1994, he’s definitely brought a lot of prestige and prominence to the state’s hockey programs through his performances elsewhere.