Drafted ninth overall in 1983, Neely played 726 regular-season games in a 13-year career with Vancouver and Boston. During that time, the gritty right-winger recorded 395 goals and 299 assists for 694 points.

He scored 50 goals three times, most notably in the 1993-94 season when he reached the mark in 44 games. Only Wayne Gretzky reached 50 goals in a season quicker (39).

In 93 playoff games, Neely scored 57 goals and added 32 assists.

The five-time NHL all-star was also recognized for his more intangible qualities. In 1994, he captured the Bill Masterton Trophy, awarded to the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

Perhaps Neely's evolution from promising youngster to NHL star came in 1986. He was low on the Canucks' depth chart, behind veteran wingers Tony Tanti and Stan Smyl, and wasn't seeing the kind of ice time an up-and-coming forward is generally afforded.

Then came what many call the most lopsided trade in NHL history. The Canucks dealt Neely and a first-round pick to Boston for forward Barry Pederson in 1980.

Neely's departure from Vancouver may have been unceremonious, but it certainly helped shape the then-21-year-old's career.

Playing in the cozy confines of Boston Garden, Neely quickly became a fan favourite for not only his scoring prowess, but his gritty, lunch-box style of play and willingness to mix it up.

Hockey Night in Canada's Don Cherry called him "the greatest power forward of all time … There's lots of guys that score 50 goals that didn't hit, fight, block shots, but he did it all."

But that grittiness came at a price. Chronic knee and hip injuries forced Neely to retire from hockey on Sept. 5, 1996, at age 31.

"Anyone can look at the 'what-ifs' in life from the moment they were born," Neely said of his shortened career.

"The way I played the game, it would be shocking if I didn't have some injuries.

"It was extremely difficult to walk away from the game when I felt that I could still play at a high level. But just like anything, any athlete that is forced to retire will tell you, only time makes things better."

Neely said his best hockey memories come from Boston's playoff runs in late 1980s and early '90s.

Defeating storied nemesis Montreal in the 1988 playoffs was almost bigger than getting to the Stanley Cup finals that year, said Neely.

"Right from the get-go, I knew how intense the rivalry was," he said. "I can remember going into Montreal getting the feeling that this is going to be a great game – even if it was the fourth game of the regular season.

"I remember getting really excited about playing in Montreal."

Neely never won hockey's biggest prize, losing to the Edmonton Oilers in the 1988 and 1990 Stanley Cup finals.

"That journey you take in the playoffs with your teammates, round after round, when you're battling, it's such a great journey to be on," he said. "Playing hard and playing hurt – that's what hockey's all about."

These days, Neely spends his time overseeing the Cam Neely Foundation for Cancer Care in Boston, which he founded with his brother Scott in 1995. Since its inception, the foundation has raised $11 million US for cancer research and treatment. It's also helped fund Neely House, a bed-and-breakfast facility for patients and their families.

Neely has also dabbled as a TV analyst on Bruins telecasts and made acting cameos in such Farrelly brothers' movies as Dumb and Dumber and Me, Myself and Irene as well as television dramas like Dennis Leary's Rescue Me.

Though his role as bullish truck driver "Sea Bass" charmed many an audience ("Kick his ass Sea Bass"), he doesn't plan on pursing acting as a full-time gig.

"I'm not pounding on doors looking for acting work," he laughed. "I enjoy doing it, I have a lot of fun doing it, but I don't need to be another out-of-work actor."

For now, the classy, gritty forward will enjoy his moment in the hockey hall of fame spotlight.

"Really, I'm just so proud of the fact that I was recognized for the way I played the game," Neely said.

"My thing is, when I played, I feel like I made an impact, and I'm very honoured that they appreciated the impact that I made for the time that I did play."