Big Names to Join Hockey Hall of Fame: Zdeno Chára, Joe Thornton, and More Set for 2025 Induction

The Hockey Hall of Fame Inductees for 2025

The Hockey Hall of Fame has officially announced its upcoming inductees for 2025, featuring notable hockey legends set to be honored in a ceremony taking place on November 10 in Toronto. This highly anticipated class includes eight distinguished members:

  • Zdeno Chára
  • Jennifer Botterill
  • Brianna Decker
  • Duncan Keith
  • Alexander Mogilny
  • Jack Parker
  • Danièle Sauvageau
  • Joe Thornton

Ron Francis, the chair of the Selection Committee, made the announcement earlier this week after the 18-member committee convened to finalize their selections.

Criteria for Induction

Notably, these honorees were chosen under specific criteria: players must have been inactive for at least three seasons, while builders—indicating coaches or contributors to the game—can still be active.

Profiles of Inductees

Zdeno Chára, a towering figure at 6-foot-9, is recognized as one of the premier defensemen of his generation. During his extensive NHL career, which spanned 1,680 games, he amassed 680 points and was celebrated not only for his formidable presence on the ice but also for his record-breaking shot, clocked at an astonishing 108.8 mph. Chára lifted the Stanley Cup in 2011 with the Boston Bruins, solidifying his status as a top-tier player in the league.

Joining him is Jennifer Botterill, a celebrated Olympic athlete from Canada who accumulated three gold medals and five world championship titles throughout her international career. A two-time winner of the Patty Kazmaier Award while at Harvard, she made significant contributions to women’s hockey both on and off the ice.

Brianna Decker also stands out with an impressive resume that includes six golds and two silvers in IIHF World Championships along with two Olympic medals. Her collegiate success at Wisconsin, capped off by winning the Kazmaier Award, highlights her role as a leading figure in women’s hockey.

Duncan Keith, another pivotal player, dedicated most of his successful 17-year NHL tenure to the Chicago Blackhawks, where he won three Stanley Cups and was named a two-time Norris Trophy recipient. His teamwork culminated in gold medals at both the 2010 and 2014 Olympics.

Alexander Mogilny, who made history as the first Soviet player to defect to the NHL, dazzled fans with a momentous 76-goal season in 1992-93 and left the league with 473 goals and over 1,000 points. A member of the prestigious IIHF Triple Gold Club, his impact on the sport remains significant.

Jack Parker, recognized as a builder, accumulated an impressive coaching legacy at Boston University, where he steered the team to three national championships over his four decades at the helm, earning accolades for the most NCAA tournament appearances.

Danièle Sauvageau, who achieved the distinction of being the first woman elected as a builder in the Hall, coached Canada’s women’s team to Olympic glory in 2002 and has been involved in multiple Olympics in various roles.

Finally, there’s Joe Thornton, whose illustrious 24-year NHL career made him a household name across teams like the Boston Bruins and the San Jose Sharks. Although he did not capture a Stanley Cup, his accolades include the Art Ross Trophy and numerous All-Star selections, alongside significant international achievements with Team Canada.

Conclusion

This ensemble of athletes and builders represents a rich tapestry of contributions to the sport, and their induction will be a momentous occasion for hockey enthusiasts globally.