The Hockey Hall of Fame is set to welcome its class of 2024, inducting seven distinguished individuals on November 11, 2024. This year's class features five exceptional players and two influential builders who have left indelible marks on the sport of hockey.
Player Inductees
Leading the class of player inductees is Jeremy Roenick, who had a storied 20-year career in the NHL, playing for five different franchises. Roenick's impact on the ice was undeniable, as evidenced by his 513 goals and 703 assists over 1,363 games. His prolific scoring ranks him fourth in goals and fifth in points among American-born players in NHL history, cementing his legacy as one of the top U.S. hockey players of all time.
Pavel Datsyuk, another inductee, spent 14 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings where his wizardry on the ice earned him high praise and numerous accolades. Known for his defensive prowess, Datsyuk was a Selke Trophy finalist in ten different years, winning the award consecutively from 2008 to 2010. His career totals of 314 goals and 604 assists in 953 games, coupled with two Stanley Cup championships, underline his brilliance and consistency as a top-tier NHL player.
Shea Weber, whose powerful presence on defense was felt both with the Nashville Predators and the Montreal Canadiens, also joins this elite group. Weber's career saw him notching 224 goals and 365 assists over 16 seasons. Known for his leadership, Weber was a three-time Norris Trophy finalist and played a pivotal role in the Canadiens' journey to the Stanley Cup Final in 2020.
The class also includes two groundbreaking female players, Natalie Darwitz and Krissy Wendell-Pohl. Darwitz led the University of Minnesota to a national championship in 2005, scoring the game-winning goal against Harvard. Her international career brought her two Olympic silver medals and one bronze, alongside three golds and five silvers at the World Championships. Wendell-Pohl's international record is equally impressive, tallying 106 goals over 147 games. Her accomplishments include a gold medal at the 2005 World Championships, where she also earned tournament MVP honors, as well as an Olympic silver and bronze medal.
Builder Inductees
In the builder category, David Poile and Colin Campbell are recognized for their substantial contributions off the ice. Poile is celebrated as the winningest general manager in NHL history, with 1,533 regular-season victories. He was the cornerstone of the Nashville Predators' management since the team's inception, guiding them to their first Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2017, before retiring last year.
Colin Campbell, who spent 11 seasons as an NHL player, has a multifaceted career that expanded beyond the rink. 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. His enduring influence on the sport continued in his role as Executive Vice President for the NHL over the past 25 years, where he has been instrumental in shaping the modern game.
The 2024 induction ceremony promises to be a grand celebration of these individuals' exceptional achievements and their lasting impacts on the hockey world. Their collective accomplishments highlight not just individual brilliance but also the collaborative spirit and dedication essential to the sport.