KALAMAZOO, Mich.- Western Michigan Athletics will induct the 2014 Hall of Fame class, Friday, Nov. 14 at the Fetzer Center and this week wmubroncos.com will take a look at each of our inductees: Jason Babin, football (2000-03), Larissa Chinwah-Mavros, women's tennis (1999-2002), Tracy Daniel, softball/volleyball (1983-86), Jamal Mayers, ice hockey (1993-96), Leon McGee, men's basketball (1991-93) and Dick Pond, men's track & field (1960-61).
Jamal Mayers
While playing in 155 games at Western Michigan, Mayers totaled 55 goals and 104 assists for 159 career points, which ranks as 15th most in Bronco Hockey history. During his four seasons in the Brown & Gold, Mayers and his teammates compiled an 88-56-13 career record, making NCAA Tournament appearances in 1994 and 1996.
Mayers had a successful 15-year NHL career after being drafted 89th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft. Mayers played in 915 NHL games, totaling 90 goals and 129 assists for 219 career points. He was a member of the 2013 Stanley Cup-winning Chicago Blackhawks. He also spent time playing for the St. Louis Blues, Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames, and San Jose Sharks. Playing for Team Canada, Mayers won gold at the World Championships in 2007 & 2008.
In 2013, Mayer announced his retirement from the NHL and went into the broadcast booth as a pre-game, post-game and intermission commentator for the Chicago Blackhawks on Comcast SportsNet during the 2014-15 season. He is currently an analyst for the NHL Network.
Jamal and his wife Natalie have two daughters, Langley (9) and Harper (6), and a son, Crew (2).
*** The Western Michigan hockey team will honor Mayers at Saturday night's game against St. Cloud State. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to watch the Broncos unveil Mayers' Hall of Fame banner in the rafters at Lawson Ice Arena.
Q & A with Jamal Mayers:
Q: What is a particular memory that sticks out during your career at WMU?
A: "For me it was our senior season, we tied for the CCHA Championship, and made it to the NCAA Tournament for the second time as a class. WMU had only been there twice before, so I am certainly proud to be a part of that group."
Q: Why did you choose Western Michigan?
A: "It just felt comfortable when I visited. I really liked the coaches and their vision. WMU also has a great business school."
Q: Who were some of the greatest influences in your career?
A: "I will never forget a conversation I had with Mike Scheffer, I was junior at the time, the likelihood of playing center in the NHL at the time was not good. Credit coach Bill Wilkinson the Blues saw me as more of a winger, WMU coaching staff moved me there. There are a lot of people to thank along the way."
Q: What was your reaction when finding out you were among this year's inductees?
A: "First thought was humility when you go to school as a 17 -year-old and are trying to grow as a person and player you don't think about 20 years later. It makes me think back to my parents and my brother and all the sacrifices made. I am thankful for everything the game of hockey has given me it's how I met my wife, how I earned my degree, and it gave me a career. I am thankful for all the game has given me."
Q: Now that you are retired, do you think back on your NHL career much?
A: "I played 17 years pro, 15 in the NHL. I think everyone thinks they can squeeze out another year at the end but the timing was perfect in 2013 after winning the Stanley Cup. Moving on into broadcast, it is still great to be involved in the game someway. Its almost like WMU has a rich history, developing playing for the NHL who go on and become broadcasters."
