The Hockey Hall of Fame has revealed its class of 2024, honoring a group of individuals whose careers have left an indelible mark on the sport. Among those enshrined are Pavel Datsyuk, Jeremy Roenick, Shea Weber, Natalie Darwitz, and Krissy Wendell-Pohl, with Colin Campbell and David Poile being recognized in the Builders category.
New Inductees
Pavel Datsyuk, known for his exceptional skill and sportsmanship, enters the Hall in his first year of eligibility. The Russian forward boasts an impressive resume, including two Stanley Cup victories, three Selke Trophies as the league's top defensive forward, and four Lady Byng Trophies for gentlemanly play. Datsyuk also earned an Olympic gold medal for Russia in 2018. Reflecting on his induction, Datsyuk expressed his joy, saying, "I'm pumped. I'm a happy boy."
Shea Weber, whose career spanned 16 years with the Nashville Predators and Montreal Canadiens, is another notable inductee. A three-time Norris Trophy finalist, Weber also received the Mark Messier Leadership Award in the 2014-15 season and has two Olympic gold medals for Canada from the 2010 and 2014 Games. Weber humorously acknowledged his long-standing relationship with David Poile, saying, "I've known David since I was drafted in Nashville. I tell him that he made only one bad trade in his career and has to live with that one. But it's an honor."
Jeremy Roenick, eligible for the Hall since 2012, finally gets his due recognition. The American forward recorded an impressive 595 points in 524 games from 1988-96 with the Chicago Blackhawks. His career also included stints with the Phoenix Coyotes, Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, and San Jose Sharks. Roenick's 513 goals place him 42nd all-time in the NHL and fourth among U.S. players, complemented by an Olympic silver medal won in 2002. At the announcement, Roenick was visibly moved, saying, "I'm at a loss for words and I'm never at a loss for words. Getting over this last hockey hurdle means so much to me."
Pioneers of Women's Hockey
Natalie Darwitz and Krissy Wendell-Pohl are trailblazers in women's hockey. Both were part of the University of Minnesota's 2005 national championship team. Wendell-Pohl captained the U.S. team at the 2006 Olympics and also competed in the 2002 Games. Darwitz represented the U.S. in three Olympics: 2002, 2006, and 2010. Their contributions have significantly advanced the women's game. Lanny McDonald, chair of the Hockey Hall of Fame board, emphasized the importance of their induction, stating, "I think knowing where the women's game has gotten to in the last few years shows the strength of it. To have two women go in together—especially being teammates—we couldn't be more prouder of them."
Contributors to the Sport
Colin Campbell and David Poile are celebrated in the Builders category. Poile, the winningest general manager in NHL history, has made significant impacts during tenures with the Washington Capitals and the Nashville Predators. Their contributions have shaped the landscape of the NHL, deserving of this esteemed recognition.
Selection Process
The official induction ceremony will be held on November 11, a culmination of a meticulous selection process guided by the Hockey Hall of Fame Selection Committee. Comprising former players, executives, and journalists, the committee is headed by Mike Gartner and includes 18 members who take their responsibilities with utmost seriousness. As Gartner remarked, "Each of the 18 members of the selection committee take their responsibilities very, very seriously. They know that this means a lot to people, and it means a lot to players."
The 2024 class reflects a diverse and impactful group whose achievements and contributions have enriched the sport of hockey. From legendary players to influential builders, their legacies will now be immortalized in the Hockey Hall of Fame, celebrating their exceptional journeys and the enduring mark they've left on the game.