Other Sports: Makarov, Quinn inducted to Hockey Hall of Fame

Sergei Makarov, arguably the greatest Russian forward of his generation who helped blaze a trail for his countrymen to follow to the NHL, was officially inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

The Russian speedster was inducted on Monday as part of an elite class of hockey sportsmen along with the late player and coach Pat Quinn, goaltender Rogie Vachon and forward Eric Lindros. Longtime Chicago Blackhawks hockey writer Bob Verdi and New York Rangers broadcaster Sam Rosen were given the media awards.

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Makarov was a nine-time scoring champion in Russia before finally being allowed to play in the National Hockey League. Despite being a 31-year old rookie with the Calgary Flames he still scored 86 points in 80 games.

His brilliant season earned him the Calder Trophy as the rookie of the year. His performance surprised those who didn't know his game and even ruffled some feathers in the NHL head office. The league then decided that players must be 26 or younger to be eligible for the award.

Makarov, who played on eight World Championship teams, said the first time he skated on the same Russian league team as legendary forward Valeri Kharlamov he was wonder-struck.

(From L) Rogatien Vachon, Sergei Makarov, Kalli Quinn representing the late Pat Quinn, and Eric Lindros take part in a Hall of Fame induction event at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, on November 13, 2016 (Getty/AFP)