I'm not sure that posters here know how the Hall of Fame Induction process works.
There were no 20 'tries' for Kharlamov to finally get inducted. There may have been only one try and that got him in. Contrary to baseball, not all players who have been retired the required years are automatically up for the vote. That's because a hockey player may be eligible but if he isn't nominated to the selection committee and approved, then he is not considered that induction year at all.
In order to have a player eligible to be voted on, someone (could be anyone from the public) contacts one of the members of the selection committe with a proposal for induction. Paperwork is required (with stats, accomplishments etc.) to prove the case for the player. If that member of the committee agrees that there is a good case, then he brings it up for approval among the committee so that the player can be eligible to be voted on.
I hope that's clear enough. I don't necessarily agree with the process but the HHOF has their reasons, I'm sure.
So, if a player is not nominated by someone with the supporting info, then that player is not considered.
The question comes up about International hockey players and the same rule applies to them. I can tell you that there was supposed to be a nomination for Alexander Yakushev this year. But the list of nominees each year is guarded from the public like you wouldn't believe.
Another thing that is clear and made public is that on and off ice conduct does matter.
For years there have been complaints about people like Harold Ballard getting inducted because of their lack of morals, for the lack of a better word.
So, I hope the same people who bemoan that the Ballard types got inducted but cry because the Ciccarelli types don't, realize that you can't have it both ways.
The HHOF is trying to make things right. Its not to say guys like Ciccarelli won't be inducted but it won't be right away and won't be easy.
Of course, a lot depends on which players are eligible for the vote in a particular year. This year is weaker than next year so those players who are on the bubble have a better chance some years than others.
God Bless Canada said:
I don't think you'll see any of that happen for a few years. There are a lot of excellent, deserving players who will be eligible for the first time in the next few seasons. It wouldn't surprise me to see them elect one international player a year. Besides, there aren't enough qualified players to be electing two international stars a year. Four players in one year? Never happen. Not with the NHL-centric HHOF voters. It took Kharlamov over 20 tries to get inducted.