TORONTO – The Hockey Hall of Fame has unveiled its Class of 2025, marking a significant moment for both first-time and long-awaited honorees. Headlining the inductees are first-year eligible players Zdeno Chara, Joe Thornton, and Duncan Keith, alongside former NHL star Alexander Mogilny, who ends a 17-year wait for this honor. Joining them are gold medal-winning women’s players Jennifer Botterill of Canada and Brianna Decker of the United States.
Breaking: Historic Induction for Builders
The Hall will also induct two Builders: former Boston University coach Jack Parker and Daniele Sauvageau, the general manager for the Montreal Victoire in the Professional Women’s Hockey League. Notably, Sauvageau becomes the first woman ever inducted as a Builder.
The 18-member selection committee, composed of former players, team executives, and veteran journalists, selected the maximum number of entrants in each category: four men, two women, and two builders. To be eligible, players must be inactive for three full seasons.
Immediate Impact: Chara’s Legacy
Zdeno Chara stands out as one of the most unique defensemen in hockey history, noted for his towering presence at 6-foot-9 and reaching 7-feet on skates. Over a 24-year NHL career, he played for the New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators, Boston Bruins, and briefly the Washington Capitals. Chara holds the record for most games played by a defenseman, with 1,680 games and 680 points.
Chara captained the Bruins from 2006-2020, leading them to the Stanley Cup in 2011 and two additional finals appearances.
He was celebrated for his powerful slap shot, winning the NHL’s Hardest Shot competition five times, setting a record at 108.8 mph in 2012. Internationally, Chara earned silver medals at the IIHF World Championships in 2000 and 2012, and with Team Europe at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
“Zdeno put forth an unparalleled combination of size, strength, and ability, setting a standard for all players,” said Boston Bruins president Cam Neely, himself a Hall of Famer.
Key Details Emerge: Thornton’s Offensive Prowess
Joe Thornton, known as “Jumbo,” ranks 14th all-time in points with 1,539, and is one of only 16 players to surpass 1,500 points. His 1,109 assists place him seventh all-time, highlighting his exceptional passing skills. Thornton played 1,714 regular season games, the sixth-most in NHL history, and won the Art Ross and Hart Trophies in 2005-06.
“Holy doodle, I can’t believe that I am receiving this honor,” Thornton said in a statement.
Thornton spent 15 seasons with the San Jose Sharks, making his sole Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2016. He also represented Canada, winning Olympic gold in 2010 and World Cup gold in 2004 and 2016.
Industry Response: Keith’s Foundational Role
Duncan Keith was a cornerstone of the Chicago Blackhawks during their Stanley Cup victories in 2010, 2013, and 2015. He amassed 91 points in 151 playoff games, the second-most for a defenseman in the postseason during his career. Keith won the Norris Trophy twice and the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2015.
“It’s an amazing class,” Keith said. “I hope people remember me as a good teammate who cared about making others better.”
By the Numbers: Mogilny’s Historic Wait Ends
Alexander Mogilny finally joins the Hall after 17 years. A Triple Gold Club member, Mogilny won the Stanley Cup in 2000, Olympic gold in 1988, and the 1989 IIHF World Championship. He was the first Soviet player to defect to North America in 1989, becoming a pivotal figure in hockey history.
Mogilny is 35th among inactive NHL players in points-per-game average (1.042).
Mogilny’s induction call came at 3 a.m. local time, and he reportedly returned to sleep, missing the media call.
What Comes Next: Celebrating Women’s Contributions
Jennifer Botterill and Brianna Decker mark a historic moment as this is only the third time two women’s players are inducted in the same class. Botterill, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, was dominant in the NCAA, while Decker won Olympic gold in 2018 and excelled in both the Canadian and National Women’s Hockey Leagues.
“I took pride in elevating others,” Botterill said. “It’s incredible to see women being inducted and their amazing careers.”
Background Context: Builder Inductees
Jack Parker coached Boston University for 40 seasons, achieving three national championships and recording the most NCAA hockey wins at one school. Daniele Sauvageau led Canada to its first Olympic gold in 2002 and became the first woman to coach in the QMJHL.
Future Implications: Who’s Next?
As the Hall of Fame celebrates its latest class, attention turns to potential future inductees. Notable first-time eligible players include goaltender Carey Price and center Ryan Getzlaf, while holdovers like Rod Brind’Amour and Henrik Zetterberg await their call.
The announcement comes as the hockey world reflects on the contributions of these legends, highlighting the evolving landscape of the sport and the recognition of its diverse history.
