There was a similar theme that occurred during both Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne's speeches as they were inducted at the 2017 Hockey Hall of Fame Ceremony on Monday in Toronto. The former Ducks teammates each recognized a list of individuals that helped them reach Hall of Fame status, but as their respective speeches began to wind down one of the final people that the duo recognized were each other.
"We will always be brothers," Kariya said. "In this life and the next."
Kariya and Selanne were teammates for five seasons in Anaheim, then again with the Colorado Avalanche in 2003-04. The pair spent the better part of their careers alongside each other, which made Monday's dual induction much more meaningful. Kariya was on the ballot for the fifth year, Selanne for the first; but according to Kariya he wouldn't be able to give an induction speech if it weren't for the Finnish star.
Teemu Selanne and Paul Kariya will be officially inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame tonight!#HHOF2017 #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/jSlMkfKQQu
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) November 13, 2017
"It's very nice to be inducted with Teemu," Kariya said when was first notified of his induction in June. "If I didn't get the opportunity to play with him, I wouldn't be in the Hall of Fame."
Selanne was just as gracious to Kariya. Across a 22-year career that spanned four different organizations, Selanne calls the North Vancouver native the "best player I've ever played with" and ended with a simple message.
"You have been so good to me." Selanne said. You make me so proud. Thank you so much.”
After Selanne walked off of the stage, he extended his hand to each of the year's inductees until he reached Kariya. No, a handshake wasn't going to be enough for either one. Instead, they embraced.
Monday night capped off an eventful weekend for the now-Hall of Fame pair. On Sunday, Kariya suited up for Team Messier (Canada legends) while Selanne was with Team Kurri (World legends) in the Hockey Hall of Fame Legends Classic, but following a "mid-game trade" the former teammates were reunited. They made the move count.
🚨 Paul Kariya 🚨@TeemuSel8nne and Paul Kariya haven’t missed a beat! #TeemuandPaulintheHall pic.twitter.com/ejkSi4bBqW
— #TeemuandPaulintheHall (@AnaheimDucks) November 12, 2017