Call from Hall goes to Bourque

A formal ceremony will be held Nov. 8 in Toronto, where the Hall is located. Bourque will be joined by Paul Coffey and Larry Murphy in the players' category and Phoenix Coyotes executive Cliff Fletcher, who was elected in the builders' category.

"I really didn't know how I was going to react," said the 43-year-old Bourque during a news conference at the Sheraton Ferncroft late yesterday afternoon. "It gave me goosebumps, and I couldn't hit my next chip shot -- not that I'm a good chipper.

"It's the best of the best, and being part of that group is truly an honor and a privilege. It's incredible to me. I played in Boston for over 20 years and then went to another special place -- Colorado -- for 15 months. It was an incredible ride." Bourque still remembers his first NHL game, as an 18-year-old on Oct. 11, 1979, against the Winnipeg Jets. He scored his first goal, earned his first assist, and was named the game's first star. During the second period, the Bruins won the draw back to him, Bourque said he fired "the weakest wrist shot I might have ever taken," and it went off two skates and in during the Bruins' 4-0 victory.

From his debut, he evolved into one of the most dominant blueliners in the game. He was as strong as a bull, logged Herculean minutes, and was as reliable and steady off the ice as he was on. He said he felt fortunate to start his career with a veteran club that took him under its wing. He relied on Brad Park and all the other experienced players to teach him the ropes. They mentored him, protected him, and Bourque went on to do the same for those who came behind him.

Bourque said yesterday was special because his oldest child, Christopher, is heading for the NHL draft in Raleigh, N.C., later this month. At the same time an era was ending, he's seeing the beginning of another.