Dino Ciccarelli was named as a 2010 inductee to the Hockey Hall of Fame today. In 19 seasons in the NHL, including 3 1/2 with the Washington Capitals, the smallish -- but tough as nails -- winger scored 608 goals and 592 assists.
He registered 40 or more goals in a season seven times, and had a 72 goal season as a 17-year old with the London Knights in juniors.
He was a four-time all-star and made two trips to the Stanley Cup finals, in his rookie year of 1980-81 with the Minnesota North Stars and in 1994-95 with the Detroit Red Wings, losing on both occasions.
Ciccarelli's career was pocked by an indecent exposure incident in 1987, and an assault conviction for attacking Toronto defenseman Luke Richardson with a stick in 1988, for which he served one day in jail.
The controversial incidents have been long rumored to be the reason it has taken several years for Ciccarelli to be properly honored by the Hockey Hall.
What's undeniable is that Ciccarelli ranks 16 all-time in goals scored, and very few players played with the grit and determination that the undersized Ciccarelli brough to the rink every night.
Congratulations to Dino Ciccarelli. You weren't with the Capitals for very long in the grand scheme of things, but you hold a very special place in the hockey memories for long-time Caps fans.
