Zdeno Chara was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in his first opportunity, while Alexander Mogilny finally made it in on his 17th try.
Chara and Mogilny join fellow former NHL players Joe Thornton and Duncan Keith, as well as women’s hockey stars Jennifer Botterill and Brianna Decker, in the class of 2025 Hockey Hall of Fame inductees announced Tuesday in Toronto.
Chara’s 24-year career in the NHL was highlighted by 14 years with the Boston Bruins, where he earned a Stanley Cup championship (2011) and a Norris Trophy (2008-09) as the league’s best defenseman. A native of Slovakia, Chara’s 1,680 games played are the most by any defenseman in NHL history.
Mogilny led the league in goals in 1992-93 with 76, tied for the fifth-most in a single season in NHL history. He had 473 goals to go along with 559 assists in 990 games over 16 seasons with the Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks, New Jersey Devils and Toronto Maple Leafs from 1989-06.
The Russian is one of only 30 players to win the Stanley Cup as well as gold at the Olympics and world championships.
“I am happy to be part of a great organization like the Hockey Hall of Fame,” Mogilny said in a release. “I want to thank both my Russian and NHL teammates for helping me achieve this honour.”
Thornton was the first overall pick in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft by the Boston Bruins, where he spent eight seasons before being traded to the San Jose Sharks for the last 15 years of his career, leading the team in scoring seven times. His 1,528 points make him one of only 16 players in league history to compile 1,500 points or more.
“Holy doodle, I can’t believe that I am receiving this honour,” said Thornton, who also won a gold medal with Canada in the 2010 Olympics. “There are so many people I need to thank because I certainly couldn’t have done this alone.”
Keith won three Stanley Cups with the Chicago Blackhawks (2010, 2013, 2015) and claimed the Norris Trophy twice (2009-10, 2013-14) as well as the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2015.
“I was lucky to play on some really good teams with some great players,” said Keith, a native of Manitoba. “It’s been a journey with many ups and downs, and I want to thank the people who helped me get to this point in my life.”
Among Wisconsin native Decker’s many accolades during her college career at the University of Wisconsin was the Patty Kazmaier Award as the top player in NCAA women’s hockey. Decker also played on six gold medal-winning U.S. teams at the IIHF Women’s World Championships and earned an Olympic gold at the 2018 Winter Games. Her last game came at the 2022 Olympics.
“I didn’t think I would ever get this call,” said Decker. “To be part of the greats that built this game is truly something that is special. I am so thankful.”
Botterill was a four-time First Team All-ECAC and All-American during her collegiate playing days at Harvard University (1998-2003). She retired from a professional career in 2011. A Winnipeg native, she also earned three Olympic gold medals and earned the MVP at the 2001 and 2004 IIHF Women’s World Championships.
“My heart is really full with this honour,” said Botterill. “I appreciate all of the people who have helped me through my career.”
Legendary Boston University coach Jack Parker and Canadian women’s hockey coach, general manager and coaching consultant Daniele Sauvageau were also inducted in the Builder category. Sauvageau is the first woman elected in the Builder Category.
The inductees were decided by a vote of an 18-member selection committee on Monday and Tuesday in Toronto.
The induction ceremony is scheduled for Nov. 10 in Toronto.
–Field Level Media
