Hockey Legends Unite: USA Hockey Announces 2024 Hall of Fame Induction Class

In a momentous announcement for hockey fans across the nation, USA Hockey has revealed its Hall of Fame class for 2024, headlined by notable figures Matt Cullen, Brianna Decker, Kevin Stevens, and Frederic McLaughlin, along with the 2002 Paralympic sled hockey team. The prestigious enshrinement ceremony is set to take place on December 4, 2024, in Pittsburgh, a city synonymous with hockey excellence. Mike Trimboli, the president of USA Hockey, expressed pride in the upcoming inductees, highlighting the profound impact each honoree has had on the sport. “The impact of the Class of 2024 spans across the sport and each honoree is reflective of the extraordinary contributions necessary to earn the highest honor in American hockey,” Trimboli stated. He emphasized the uniqueness of their stories, which have positively influenced many and added to the rich tapestry of American hockey history. Pittsburgh serves as an apt backdrop for the induction ceremony, not least because of the city's storied hockey legacy. The Pittsburgh Penguins have consistently showcased the prominence of American players, with head coach Mike Sullivan set to lead Team USA in both the NHL's Four Corners tournament and the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics. The city's connection to the sport is only deepened with the inductions of Stevens and Cullen, both of whom were pivotal members of the Penguins during their early and recent successes. Kevin Stevens, a powerhouse forward during the early 1990s, becomes the sixth member of the Penguins' legendary Stanley Cup teams of 1991 and 1992 to be enshrined. Stevens' physicality, strength, and situational awareness on the ice made him a formidable opponent and a key player in clutch moments. He holds impressive rankings in NHL history, boasting the third and sixth highest-scoring seasons by an American, along with notable playoff goals and points records among U.S.-born players. Joining him is Matt Cullen, whose lengthy and impactful career saw him contribute significantly to the Penguins' back-to-back championships in 2016 and 2017. Cullen’s leadership and two-way play solidified his reputation as a key asset during his time with the team, further cementing Pittsburgh’s status as a hockey powerhouse. The inclusion of Brianna Decker in this year’s class is a celebration of her extraordinary contributions to women’s hockey. A six-time world champion, Decker made her mark as one of the sport's elite players, often overshadowed by contemporaries but undeniably among the best in the world during her prime. Her remarkable stats—including 81 goals and 170 points in 147 games for the U.S. Women’s National Team—speak to her skills and tenacity on the ice. Decker is celebrated not only for her achievements but also for her continued influence in the sport, now serving as an associate head coach at Shattuck St. Mary’s. Decker's journey includes significant milestones such as her role in securing gold for Team USA at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, marking the first U.S. Olympic gold since 1998. Her accolades throughout her collegiate career at Wisconsin, where she won the Patty Kazmaier Award, only add to her impressive résumé. As the first Wisconsin women’s hockey alum to enter the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame, Decker’s induction represents a significant moment for women’s sports. As the date for the ceremony approaches, the excitement surrounding the Class of 2024 builds, promising to honor the rich history and the impactful individuals who have helped shape American hockey. The forthcoming enshrinement will not only celebrate their past achievements but also inspire future generations of players, coaches, and fans.