The Hockey Hall of Fame has unveiled its class of 2024, announcing that seven distinguished individuals will be honored in a ceremony set for November 11, 2024. The inductees comprise five legendary players and two esteemed builders whose contributions to the sport have been nothing short of exceptional.
The Players
Leading the list of players is Jeremy Roenick, a formidable force in the NHL over his 20-year career. Roenick’s impressive statistics speak volumes about his impact on the ice. With 513 goals and 703 assists in 1,363 games, he has cemented his place in hockey history. Among American-born players, Roenick ranks fourth in goals and fifth in points, making him one of the most prolific scorers the United States has produced.
Joining Roenick is Pavel Datsyuk, a player renowned for his extraordinary skills and defensive prowess. Datsyuk’s tenure with the Detroit Red Wings spanned 14 seasons, during which he was a ten-time nominee for the Selke Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s best defensive forward. Datsyuk captured the Selke Trophy three years in a row from 2008 to 2010. Over his career, he notched 314 goals and 604 assists in 953 games, bolstering the Red Wings to two Stanley Cup championships.
Shea Weber, another inductee, made his mark playing for the Nashville Predators and the Montreal Canadiens. With 224 goals and 365 assists over 16 years, Weber was not only a reliable scorer but also a defensive stalwart. A three-time Norris Trophy finalist, Weber played a pivotal role in leading the Canadiens to the Stanley Cup Final in 2020, proving his ability to elevate his team on the biggest stages.
On the women’s side, Natalie Darwitz’s contributions to hockey are being rightfully celebrated. As the captain of the University of Minnesota’s women’s hockey team, she led them to a national championship in 2005, famously scoring the game-winning goal against Harvard. Darwitz’s international career is equally laudable, having earned two Olympic silver medals and a bronze, along with three gold and five silver medals at the World Championships.
Krissy Wendell-Pohl, another luminary in women’s hockey, is also being inducted. Wendell-Pohl’s international career saw her play in 147 games, where she scored 106 goals. Her leadership was instrumental in guiding Team USA to a gold medal at the 2005 World Championships, a tournament where she was honored as the MVP. Her Olympic accolades include a silver and a bronze medal, underscoring her significant contributions to the sport.
The Builders
The inductees in the builders' category include David Poile and Colin Campbell, both of whom have had long and illustrious careers behind the scenes. David Poile stands as the winningest general manager in NHL history, with 1,533 regular season victories to his name. Poile was the only GM in the history of the Nashville Predators until his retirement last year, guiding the team to their first Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2017.
Colin Campbell’s hockey journey has been multifaceted. As a player, he spent 11 seasons in the NHL, before taking on coaching responsibilities. Campbell won the Stanley Cup as an assistant coach with the New York Rangers in 1994 and later served four seasons as the head coach of the Rangers. For the past 25 years, Campbell has been a significant figure in the NHL front office as an Executive Vice President, influencing many of the league’s key decisions and policies.
This year’s Hall of Fame inductees reflect the diverse and profound impact these individuals have had on the game of hockey. From players who have thrilled fans with their on-ice exploits to builders who have shaped the sport from behind the scenes, the class of 2024 will be remembered for their substantial contributions to the game. As the induction ceremony approaches, the hockey community looks forward to celebrating these remarkable careers and achievements.