The Hockey Hall of Fame has revealed its class of 2024, set to be inducted in a ceremony on November 11, 2024. This prestigious event will honor seven illustrious figures who have made indelible marks on the sport. With five players and two builders ready to join the ranks of hockey's elite, the 2024 class is poised to be one for the ages.
Player Inductees: Roenick, Datsyuk, Weber, Darwitz, and Wendell-Pohl
Headlining the list of player inductees is Jeremy Roenick, whose remarkable 20-year NHL career spanned five different franchises. Known for his scoring prowess, Roenick netted 513 goals and provided 703 assists over 1,363 games. These impressive statistics place him fourth in goals and fifth in points among American-born players in NHL history.
Pavel Datsyuk, affectionately dubbed "The Magic Man," will also be enshrined. Datsyuk's tenure with the Detroit Red Wings lasted 14 seasons, during which he mesmerized fans and opponents alike with his wizard-like stickhandling and defensive acumen. Recognized for his two-way play, Datsyuk won the Selke Trophy three consecutive times from 2008 to 2010 and was a ten-time finalist for the award. His career totals of 314 goals and 604 assists in 953 games, along with two Stanley Cup championships, solidify his place among the greats.
Shea Weber's hard-hitting, formidable presence on the ice earns him a spot in the Hall. Initially making his mark with the Nashville Predators and later with the Montreal Canadiens, Weber concluded his 16-year career with 224 goals and 365 assists. A three-time Norris Trophy finalist, Weber's leadership was instrumental in guiding the Canadiens to the Stanley Cup Final in 2020.
The Hall also recognizes the contributions of female players, with Natalie Darwitz and Krissy Wendell-Pohl earning their places. Darwitz, a standout performer at the University of Minnesota, led her team to a national championship in 2005, famously scoring the game-winning goal against Harvard. Her career also boasts two Olympic silver medals, a bronze, and an impressive eight medals (three gold, five silver) at the World Championships.
Wendell-Pohl's international track record is equally laudable. With 106 goals in 147 games for Team USA, she was a dominant force. Her accolades include a silver and a bronze Olympic medal, and she played a pivotal role in guiding Team USA to gold at the 2005 World Championships, also earning tournament MVP honors.
Builder Inductees: Poile and Campbell
The builder category features two stalwarts of the sport's administration and coaching ranks. David Poile, the winningest general manager in NHL history, with 1,533 regular-season victories, is among them. Poile served as the only GM in Nashville Predators history until his retirement last year, orchestrating their memorable run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2017.
Colin Campbell, who spent 11 seasons as an NHL player before transitioning into coaching and executive roles, will join Poile. Campbell's coaching portfolio includes serving as an assistant coach for the Stanley Cup-winning New York Rangers in 1994 and four seasons as the Rangers' head coach. For the past 25 years, he has been a key executive for the NHL, holding the position of Executive Vice President.
The 2024 Hockey Hall of Fame induction promises to be a memorable affair, celebrating careers that have not only showcased exceptional talent but also significantly contributed to the rich history and evolution of the game. Fans and hockey enthusiasts around the world will undoubtedly look forward to the November induction, where these seven legends will be rightfully honored for their extraordinary achievements.