Hockey Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2024
The Hockey Hall of Fame has unveiled its class of 2024, and seven distinguished individuals will be honored in an induction ceremony on November 11, 2024. This year’s class includes five players and two builders, each of whom has made significant contributions to the sport of hockey.
Players to Be Inducted
The five players selected for this prestigious honor are Jeremy Roenick, Pavel Datsyuk, Shea Weber, Natalie Darwitz, and Krissy Wendell-Pohl.
Jeremy Roenick, a standout American forward, spent two decades in the NHL, playing for five different franchises. Over his distinguished career, Roenick tallied an impressive 513 goals and 703 assists in 1,363 games. His scoring prowess places him fourth in goals and fifth in points among American-born players in NHL history, underscoring his significance in the annals of American hockey.
Pavel Datsyuk, known for his wizardry on the ice, played 14 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings. Datsyuk's defensive acumen earned him the Selke Trophy for best defensive forward three consecutive times from 2008 to 2010, and he was a finalist an additional seven times. Over his career, Datsyuk scored 314 goals and provided 604 assists in 953 games, contributing to two Stanley Cup championships for the Red Wings, making him a beloved figure in Detroit's storied hockey history.
Shea Weber, a formidable defenseman, made his mark with the Nashville Predators and the Montreal Canadiens. Weber's powerful shot and stalwart defensive play were his trademarks as he scored 224 goals and provided 365 assists over 16 years. A three-time Norris Trophy finalist, Weber's leadership was on full display when he played a crucial role in leading the Canadiens to the Stanley Cup Final in 2020.
Natalie Darwitz, an exceptional forward, led the University of Minnesota to a national championship in 2005, scoring the game-winning goal against Harvard. Her international career is equally impressive, earning two Olympic silver medals and a bronze. Additionally, Darwitz won three gold and five silver medals at the World Championships, cementing her legacy in women's hockey.
Joining Darwitz is Krissy Wendell-Pohl, another trailblazer in women's hockey. Wendell-Pohl played 147 games internationally, scoring 106 goals. Her international accolades include a silver and a bronze Olympic medal, and she guided Team USA to gold at the 2005 World Championships, earning tournament MVP honors for her stellar performance.
Builders to Be Honored
Among the builders, David Poile and Colin Campbell have left indelible marks on the game.
David Poile, the winningest general manager in NHL history with 1,533 regular-season victories, was the architect of the Nashville Predators. As the only GM in the franchise's history until his retirement last year, Poile guided the Predators to their first Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2017. His long and successful tenure has earned him a well-deserved spot in the Hall of Fame.
Colin Campbell’s multifaceted career also sees him being recognized. Having spent 11 seasons as an NHL player, Campbell transitioned to coaching and executive roles. He won the Stanley Cup as an assistant coach with the New York Rangers in 1994 and later served as the Rangers' head coach for four seasons. For the past 25 years, Campbell has been an influential Executive Vice President for the NHL, playing a critical role in the league's operations and governance.
Closing Thoughts
The Hockey Hall of Fame class of 2024 represents a diverse group of individuals who have excelled in various aspects of the sport. From scoring milestones and championship victories to leadership and innovation off the ice, these inductees have all contributed significantly to the game we love. Their upcoming induction is a celebration of their achievements and lasting impact on hockey history.