The Hockey Hall of Fame has announced its class of 2024, and it is a momentous occasion for seven distinguished individuals who will be honored on November 11, 2024. This year's inductees include five players and two builders, each of whom has left an indelible mark on the sport.
Star-Studded Player Class
Leading the group of players is Jeremy Roenick, who enjoyed a prolific 20-year career in the NHL. Roenick's versatility and skill saw him represent five different franchises, during which he amassed an impressive 513 goals and 703 assists over 1,363 games. Notably, Roenick ranks fourth in goals and fifth in points among American-born players in NHL history, a testament to his enduring impact on the sport.
Joining Roenick is Pavel Datsyuk, a former Detroit Red Wings star known for his dazzling playmaking and defensive prowess. Datsyuk's 14-season tenure with the Red Wings saw him score 314 goals and provide 604 assists in 953 career games. A testament to his two-way excellence, Datsyuk was voted for the Selke Trophy, awarded to the NHL's best defensive forward, in ten different years, winning it three consecutive times from 2008 to 2010. His career includes two Stanley Cup championships, further cementing his legacy.
Shea Weber, a defensive powerhouse, is also set to be inducted. Weber's career spanned 16 years with the Nashville Predators and the Montreal Canadiens. Known for his imposing physical presence and leadership, Weber scored 224 goals and registered 365 assists. His contributions were pivotal in leading the Canadiens to the Stanley Cup Final in 2020, and he was a three-time Norris Trophy finalist, reflecting his status as one of the league's premier defensemen.
On the women's side, Natalie Darwitz's incredible career achievements have earned her a place in the Hall of Fame. Darwitz led the University of Minnesota to a national championship in 2005, scoring the game-winning goal against Harvard in the final. Her international career is equally impressive, with two Olympic silver medals, one bronze, and a collection of World Championship medals that includes three golds and five silvers.
Joining Darwitz is Krissy Wendell-Pohl, another standout in women's hockey. Wendell-Pohl played 147 games internationally, scoring an impressive 106 goals. Her Olympic accolades include a silver and a bronze medal, but perhaps her most notable achievement was guiding Team USA to a gold medal at the 2005 World Championships, where she earned MVP honors for her standout performance.
Builders Who Shaped the Game
David Poile, the winningest general manager in NHL history, is one of the two builders being inducted. Poile's managerial acumen is evidenced by his 1,533 regular season victories. His tenure with the Nashville Predators was particularly noteworthy, having been the only GM in the franchise's history until his retirement last year. Under Poile's stewardship, the Predators reached their first Stanley Cup Final in 2017, marking a milestone in the team's history.
Colin Campbell, who has spent over 25 years in executive roles for the NHL, also joins the esteemed group of inductees. Campbell's career began on the ice, where he played 11 seasons in the NHL. As a coach, he won the Stanley Cup as an assistant with the New York Rangers in 1994 and served as the team's head coach for four seasons. Campbell's extensive experience and leadership in various executive capacities have been instrumental in shaping NHL policies and the sport's overall development.
A Celebration of Excellence
The class of 2024 represents a diverse array of talent and contributions to the sport of hockey. From players who thrilled fans with their on-ice excellence to builders who have shaped the course of the game's history, each inductee has earned their place in the Hockey Hall of Fame. As fans and peers alike prepare to celebrate their remarkable careers, the induction ceremony on November 11, 2024, promises to be a fitting tribute to these hockey legends.