The Hockey Hall of Fame has officially announced its class of 2025, with a star-studded group of individuals set to be enshrined in hockey history. The announcement, made earlier today, has generated excitement and discussion throughout the hockey world. The induction ceremony is scheduled for November 10th in Toronto.
Leading the way in their first year of eligibility are three modern-era stars: Joe Thornton, Zdeno Chara, and Duncan Keith. These players represent different facets of the game and have each left an undeniable mark on the sport.
Joe Thornton, a dominant center known for his exceptional playmaking abilities and longevity, was a six-time All-Star and won the Hart Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player in 2006. "Jumbo Joe" played for the Boston Bruins, San Jose Sharks, and Toronto Maple Leafs, amassing 430 goals and 1,209 assists for 1,639 points in 1,714 games. He also represented Canada at the Olympics, winning gold in 2010.
Zdeno Chara, the towering defenseman known as "Big Z," played for the New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators, Boston Bruins, and Washington Capitals over a remarkable 1,680-game NHL career. A six-time All-Star, Chara won the Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenseman in 2009 and captained the Boston Bruins to a Stanley Cup victory in 2011. His physical presence, leadership, and dedication made him one of the most respected players in the league. Chara also represented Slovakia at three Olympics.
Duncan Keith, a dynamic and skilled defenseman, spent the majority of his 17-year NHL career with the Chicago Blackhawks, where he won three Stanley Cups. A two-time Norris Trophy winner and the 2015 Conn Smythe Trophy winner as playoff MVP, Keith was also a two-time First Team NHL All-Star. He also claimed two Olympic gold medals with Canada in 2010 and 2014. Over his career, he scored 106 goals and recorded 646 points.
Joining these first-year eligible players is Alexander Mogilny, finally receiving the call after a long wait. Mogilny, a highly skilled forward, was one of the first Soviet players to defect to North America and enjoyed a successful NHL career with the Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks, New Jersey Devils, and Toronto Maple Leafs. The Khabarovsk, USSR, native had 473 goals and 558 assists for 1,032 points in 990 NHL games. He won his lone Stanley Cup with the Devils in 2000.
The class of 2025 also includes significant representation from the women's game. Jennifer Botterill, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and five-time world champion with Canada, is being inducted. Botterill was also the youngest player on Canada's silver medal-winning squad at the 1998 Olympics. She announced her retirement as a player in 2011 and is now a hockey analyst for Sportsnet and TNT. Brianna Decker, who helped the United States win Olympic gold in 2018 and six gold medals at the world championships, is also among the inductees.
Rounding out the class are builders Jack Parker and Daniele Sauvageau, recognized for their significant contributions to the game off the ice. François Gagnon will receive the Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award for excellence in hockey journalism, and Daryl Reaugh will receive the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award for outstanding contributions as a hockey broadcaster.
The 2025 Hockey Hall of Fame class represents a diverse and accomplished group of individuals who have all made a lasting impact on the sport of hockey. Their induction is a testament to their talent, dedication, and passion for the game.
