# Pekka Rinne's Hall of Fame Speech

> Hockey legend Pekka Rinne shares his journey from Finnish small town to NHL Hall of Fame.
- Title: Pekka Rinne's Hall of Fame Speech · Nashville Predators On SI
- Summary: Hockey legend Pekka Rinne shares his journey from Finnish small town to NHL Hall of Fame.
- Keywords: pekka rinne, hockey hall of fame, nashville predators, hockey, finland, hockey hall of fame induction, goaltender, nashville, Nashville Predators On SI
- Source: Nashville Predators On SI — https://si.com/nhl/predators/onsi/news/what-pekka-rinne-said-his-hall-fame-speech
- Published: 2026-11-10T16:41:13+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: pekka rinne, hockey hall of fame, nashville predators, hockey, finland, hockey hall of fame induction, goaltender, nashville, sports
## Pekka Rinne Inducted
Goaltender Pekka Rinne became the fourth Nashville Predators player inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on Monday.
## Rinne's Career Stats
Rinne played 683 games for the Predators across his 15-year career, winning 369 with 60 shutouts.
## Awards and Achievements
Rinne won the Vezina Trophy in 2018, the King Clancy Trophy in 2021, and led the Predators to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2017.
## Rinne's Hall of Fame Speech
Rinne delivered a speech thanking his family, coaches, and teammates for their support throughout his career.

> Wow, thank you. Thank you, David. That man had a pretty big impact on my career.
## Early Life in Finland
Growing up in Kempele, a small town in Northern Finland, Rinne's idol was his cousin Jari, a goalie.
## Junior Hockey Struggles
Rinne's junior career wasn't successful; he was tall and uncoordinated, playing in a lower-level league.
## Coaching Turnaround
Coach Harri Hautamäki convinced Rinne to continue playing hockey and move to Kärpät, a higher-level team.
## Early NHL Draft
Rinne was drafted by Nashville in 2004 in the eighth round, 258th overall, after being overlooked.
## Nashville Predators Career
Rinne signed his first contract with Nashville Predators in August 2005, starting a 16-year career with the organization.
## Nashville as Home
Nashville became Rinne's second home, giving him community, lifelong friendships, and cherished memories.
## Key Mentions
Rinne thanked David Poile for believing in him and changing his life, and his three head coaches, Trotz, Lavy, and Hynes.
## Honoring Deceased
Rinne honored his agent Jay Grossman, who passed away in March, and former coach Brent Peterson, who passed away in September.
## Finnish Hockey Legacy
Rinne highlighted Finland's hockey legacy, naming players like Kurri, Selänne, and Numminen as role models.
## Family and Support
Rinne thanked his parents, sisters, and children for their unwavering support throughout his career.
## Message to Young Athletes
Rinne encouraged young athletes to follow their passion, embrace setbacks, and never give up on their dreams.

> You don't have to be the most highly touted prospect. You don't have to have everything figured out when you're young.
## Final Thanks
Rinne shared the honor with everyone who supported him, including his family, teammates, coaches, and fans.

> Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
## Key takeaway

Pekka Rinne, a Finnish-born NHL goaltender, became the fourth Finnish player inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame after a 15-year career with the Nashville Predators.