The Hockey Hall of Fame has unveiled its class of 2024, featuring seven iconic figures whose contributions to the game have left an indelible mark. This year's induction ceremony, scheduled for November 11, 2024, will honor five exceptional players and two influential builders who have helped shape the sport's history.
Players Honored
Among the players inducted, Jeremy Roenick stands out with a storied 20-year career in the NHL, representing five different franchises. Roenick's impressive stats include 513 goals and 703 assists across 1,363 games, placing him fourth in goals and fifth in points among American-born players in NHL history.
Pavel Datsyuk, who spent 14 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, is another notable inductee. Renowned for his defensive prowess, Datsyuk was a Selke Trophy finalist ten times and clinched the award three consecutive years from 2008 to 2010. His career highlights include 314 goals, 604 assists in 953 games, and two Stanley Cup championships.
Shea Weber is also being recognized for his stellar contributions on the ice. Over his 16-year career with the Nashville Predators and the Montreal Canadiens, Weber scored 224 goals and 365 assists. Notably, he was a three-time Norris Trophy finalist and played a crucial role in leading the Canadiens to the Stanley Cup Final in 2020.
The women's game is well represented by Natalie Darwitz and Krissy Wendell-Pohl. Darwitz led the University of Minnesota to a national championship in 2005, highlighted by her game-winning goal against Harvard. Her international career includes two Olympic silver medals, a bronze, and an impressive collection of three gold and five silver medals at the World Championships.
Wendell-Pohl, on the other hand, distinguished herself by playing 147 games internationally and scoring 106 goals. She earned a silver and a bronze Olympic medal and guided Team USA to the gold medal at the World Championships in 2005, where she was honored as the tournament MVP.
Builders Celebrated
The builders being inducted are David Poile and Colin Campbell, both of whom have left an indelible mark on the sport through their executive roles. Poile, the winningest general manager in NHL history with 1,533 regular-season victories, was the long-time architect of the Nashville Predators. He led the team to their first Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2017, capping a distinguished career before his retirement last year.
Colin Campbell's extensive contributions are equally noteworthy. Campbell spent 11 seasons as an NHL player before transitioning to coaching and executive roles. He won the Stanley Cup as an assistant coach with the New York Rangers in 1994 and later served as the Rangers' head coach for four seasons. For the past 25 years, Campbell has been a cornerstone of NHL operations, serving as Executive Vice President and significantly shaping the league's direction.
This year's Hall of Fame class reflects a diverse mix of talent and leadership, celebrating individuals who have excelled in various facets of the game. Their accomplishments not only highlight their personal achievements but also underscore their lasting impact on hockey. As these legends are honored this November, they join a prestigious group whose contributions have helped cultivate and elevate the sport to where it stands today.