In a highly anticipated announcement, the Hockey Hall of Fame has revealed its class of 2024. This year’s class features seven distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to the sport. The induction ceremony is set to take place on November 11, 2024, recognizing the exceptional careers of five players and two builders.
The Players
Leading the list of player inductees is Jeremy Roenick, who left an indelible mark on the NHL during his illustrious 20-year career. Roenick played for five different franchises, tallying an impressive 513 goals and 703 assists over 1,363 games. His prolific scoring places him fourth in goals and fifth in points among American-born players in NHL history, underscoring his remarkable consistency and skill.
Pavel Datsyuk, known for his wizardry with the puck and defensive prowess, also earns a well-deserved spot in the Hall of Fame. Datsyuk spent 14 illustrious seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, during which he was voted for the Selke Trophy an astounding ten times, securing the prestigious award for best defensive forward three consecutive times from 2008 to 2010. His offensive contributions were equally impressive, netting 314 goals and 604 assists in 953 career games, while also capturing two Stanley Cup championships.
Shea Weber, a defensive stalwart, is another deserving inductee. Weber's career spanned 16 years with the Nashville Predators and the Montreal Canadiens. Known for his powerful shot and leadership, Weber scored 224 goals and provided 365 assists, earning three finalist nods for the Norris Trophy. His leadership was pivotal in leading the Canadiens to the Stanley Cup Final in 2020.
On the women's side, Natalie Darwitz and Krissy Wendell-Pohl have made significant impacts on the sport. Darwitz, a star with the University of Minnesota, was instrumental in securing a national championship in 2005 by scoring the game-winning goal against Harvard. Her international career is equally storied, with two Olympic silver medals and a bronze, complemented by three golds and five silvers at the World Championships.
Wendell-Pohl's international career features 147 games, during which she scored an outstanding 106 goals. She boasts a silver and a bronze Olympic medal, and her leadership in guiding Team USA to the gold medal at the 2005 World Championships earned her MVP honors. Wendell-Pohl's legacy is firmly etched in the history of women's hockey.
The Builders
David Poile’s contributions to the NHL, particularly with the Nashville Predators, have earned him a well-deserved place in the Hall of Fame. Poile is the winningest general manager in NHL history, amassing 1,533 regular-season victories. His tenure with the Predators stands out, as he was the only GM in franchise history until his retirement last year and was instrumental in guiding the team to its first Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2017.
Colin Campbell, who spent 11 seasons as an NHL player, has also been recognized for his extended contributions to the sport. As an assistant coach, he won the Stanley Cup with the New York Rangers in 1994 before serving four seasons as the Rangers' head coach. For the past 25 years, Campbell has been a cornerstone of the NHL as an Executive Vice President, shaping the league's policies and procedures behind the scenes.
The class of 2024 for the Hockey Hall of Fame exemplifies excellence, dedication, and an undeniable impact on the sport. These seven individuals have left an indelible legacy through their achievements on the ice and their contributions off it. As they prepare for their induction in November, the hockey world celebrates their significant accomplishments and the lasting influence they have had on the game.