If loving hockey and having a big smile on your face were the main criteria for the IIHF Hall of Fame, Teemu Selanne would have been inducted 20 years ago.

The 46-year-old Helsinki-born legend, who retired from the NHL in 2014 with 1,457 points in 1,451 career games and a 2007 Stanley Cup ring with the Anaheim Ducks, made an even bigger impression on the international stage. Selanne played in a record six Winter Olympics (1992, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014), winning three bronzes and the 2006 silver medal. He was named Best Forward in Turin in 2006 and tournament MVP in Sochi in 2014. The fleet-footed right winger also owns a 1999 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship silver medal and a 2008 bronze.

Selanne, who lives in Southern California these days, was inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame at Cologne’s German Sport & Olympic Museum on 21 May along with seven other legends. IIHF.com spoke with the Finnish Flash after the ceremony.

Note: The jerseys from the ceremony signed by the respective player are put for auction for a good cause. Place your bid for unique memorabilia from these hockey legends here.

In your early years with the national team, Finland rarely won anything. Then at your last four IIHF tournaments – three Olympics and the 2008 Worlds – Finland medalled every time. What changed?

I think the whole program. First, I’ve always said that I think we need ex-players to stay in the game and the program. The job we’ve done over the years, it’s really been great. When I came to the national team, we didn’t really have a chance to win against the big teams. And little by little, we got the gap a little closer. The last 10 or 15 years, we started to beat anybody, and that was a good feeling. I’m very proud that I’ve been part of the process. It’s such a special feeling to put the jersey on and play for your country. I’m very proud of what we’ve done.

Patrik Laine is often compared to you. What did you think of his NHL rookie season with the Winnipeg Jets?

Unbelievable. I’m so happy for him. First of all, I was so happy in the draft when Winnipeg drafted him. I know he’s going to have a great time there. He had a great start, and what he has done right away in the first year as an 18-year-old, it’s unbelievable. I expect he’s going to be the next big superstar for Finland.

How important is it for NHL players to participate in the Olympics?

I think it’s so important. In ‘98, in Nagano, if you ask anybody, Gretzky and all the guys, how happy they were that they were able to play in the Olympics...it’s every player’s dream to play, not just for your country, but at the Olympics. Obviously a lot of players are very disappointed that we are not going to be next year in Korea, but you know, I hope that everybody in the hockey world realizes and gets the feeling that we need to be there. It’s a privilege for both the fans and the players. Playing six Olympics, it has been a big honour. I hope the [NHL] players will be in the Olympics in the future.

You’re still in good shape. When you see what Jaromir Jagr is doing, how often do you get the urge to come back?

Not one time! [laughs] I left everything. The older you get, the harder it gets. You have no idea what Jagr goes through with the recovery time and keeping up with the younger guys. He’s done a great job. I’m very proud of him. But I think I retired at the perfect time. It’s fun to watch.

Do you think he can play until he’s 50?

You know what? It should not be possible, but it all depends on how healthy he stays. It’s not getting easier. It’s a big challenge. I think the biggest thing for me, too – I was 44 when I retired – was the recovery time. The NHL schedule is so tough. You don’t recover from the traveling and so many games. But if he’s healthy and he’s enjoying it and he can compete, why not? I know how much he loves hockey, how much passion he has. But he has to be very lucky too.

What do you miss about hockey?

I think the only thing I really miss is the paychecks! [laughs] Actually, you know, I miss the teammates and the locker-room life. You’re like brothers. That’s one thing I’ve been missing. Everything else, not really. I left everything there, and I’ve really been enjoying life after hockey.

You were always known as a fun teammate. Who were the guys who made you laugh the most in the locker room?

Oh, there’s Brad May, Tie Domi. There’s a lot of guys. I miss those things. There’s nothing like the locker room. It’s very unique.

What did it mean to you to be inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame today with your old teammates Saku Koivu and Joe Sakic?

It’s a great honour. Both players have been a very important part of my career, and naturally, for sure, Saku and I had great years together, great success. It has been a pleasure to play with him, and obviously we’re very good friends. Both of them are very special, and it’s great to share this together.

LUCAS AYKROYD

Note: Tomorrow a video with interviews with the inductees will be published. Stay tuned on IIHF.com and our social media channels on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and VK.