Hockey Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2024
The Hockey Hall of Fame has revealed its class of 2024, highlighting five players and two builders who have made significant contributions to the sport. The induction ceremony is set for November 11, 2024, celebrating the illustrious careers and achievements of these distinguished hockey figures.
Players Set for Immortalization
This year's player inductees include Jeremy Roenick, Pavel Datsyuk, Shea Weber, Natalie Darwitz, and Krissy Wendell-Pohl, each leaving indelible marks on the game through their remarkable performances and statistics.
Jeremy Roenick, who enjoyed a 20-year career in the NHL with five different franchises, is set to be honored for his outstanding record. Scoring 513 goals and providing 703 assists over 1,363 games, Roenick ranks fourth in goals and fifth in points among American-born players in NHL history, recognizing him as one of the top American talents the league has ever seen.
Pavel Datsyuk, remembered for his 14 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, is another significant inductee. Known for his defensive prowess, Datsyuk was a perennial candidate for the Selke Trophy, being nominated ten times and securing the award three consecutive times from 2008 to 2010. Over his career, he accumulated 314 goals and 604 assists in 953 games and was instrumental in the Red Wings’ two Stanley Cup victories.
Shea Weber, a formidable force on the blue line, split his career between the Nashville Predators and the Montreal Canadiens. Notching 224 goals and 365 assists over 16 years, Weber was a three-time Norris Trophy finalist and played a pivotal role in the Canadiens' run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2020.
On the international stage, Natalie Darwitz and Krissy Wendell-Pohl have been nothing short of legendary. Darwitz led the University of Minnesota to a national championship in 2005, scoring the game-winning goal against Harvard. Her international resume includes two Olympic silver medals, a bronze, and an impressive tally of eight medals at the World Championships, including three golds. Wendell-Pohl, another standout, played 147 international games, scoring 106 goals. She earned a silver and bronze at the Olympics and guided Team USA to gold at the World Championships in 2005, where she also earned tournament MVP honors.
Builders of the Game
Joining the players are two eminent builders, David Poile and Colin Campbell, whose contributions off the ice have been equally impactful.
David Poile, the winningest general manager in NHL history with 1,533 regular season victories, is celebrated for his strategic acumen and leadership. Poile was the sole GM in the Nashville Predators' history until his retirement last year, guiding the team to its first Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2017. His tenure with the Predators marked an era of growth and competitive success for the franchise.
Colin Campbell’s multifaceted career spans roles as player, coach, and executive. After an 11-season stint as an NHL player, Campbell won the Stanley Cup as an assistant coach with the New York Rangers in 1994. He then served as the Rangers' head coach for four seasons before transitioning into an executive role, where he has been an influential figure as the Executive Vice President for the NHL for the past 25 years.
The Hockey Hall of Fame's class of 2024 embodies the excellence and dedication that define the sport of hockey. As the ceremony approaches, the hockey community eagerly anticipates honoring these legends who have significantly shaped the game’s past, enriching its present and paving the way for its future.