Brianna Decker Leads U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Class of Olympians

The 2024 class of inductees into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame features a remarkable lineup, including Olympian Brianna Decker, former NHL players Kevin Stevens and Matt Cullen, late Chicago Blackhawks founder Frederic McLaughlin, and the renowned 2002 Olympic gold-medal-winning Paralympic sled hockey team.

This announcement was made by USA Hockey on Thursday, with the formal induction ceremony set for December 4 in Pittsburgh.

According to USA Hockey president Mike Trimboli, the achievements of these inductees reflect the wide-ranging impact each has had in the hockey world. He emphasized the diverse stories of these honorees and their positive influence on the sport.

Brianna Decker’s contributions to women’s hockey are profound. She played a pivotal role in securing Olympic gold for the United States during the 2018 Winter Games in South Korea. Additionally, Decker was part of the teams that earned silver medals in 2014 and 2022. Her Olympic journey faced a significant setback when a leg fracture and torn ankle ligaments sidelined her in Beijing.

Throughout her 15-year career, Decker accumulated impressive stats, tallying 81 goals and 89 assists for a total of 170 points across 147 international games. She also led the University of Wisconsin to a national championship in 2011 and excelled in numerous world championships, earning accolades as MVP and top scorer.

Kevin Stevens made a name for himself during his tenure with the Pittsburgh Penguins, playing a vital role in their Stanley Cup victories in 1991 and 1992. He famously led the playoffs with 17 goals during their first championship run and was recognized as a first-team NHL All-Star in the following season. After overcoming personal challenges with substance abuse, Stevens became a vocal advocate for addiction awareness and support.

Another cornerstone of the Penguins franchise, Matt Cullen enjoyed a storied NHL career that spanned 21 seasons with eight different teams. He celebrated three Stanley Cup victories: first with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006, then clinching back-to-back championships with the Penguins in 2016 and 2017. Cullen is notably among only two U.S.-born players to have played in 1,500 NHL games, a testament to his enduring talent and resilience.

The late Frederic McLaughlin significantly shaped the Chicago Blackhawks and the sport of hockey in Chicago. As the founder in the 1920s, he was committed to expanding hockey’s reach in the region while prioritizing the inclusion of American players on the team. McLaughlin passed away in 1944 and was posthumously inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1963.

In a historic achievement, the 2002 U.S. Paralympic sled hockey team became the first to earn a gold medal at the Paralympic Games, achieving this milestone in Salt Lake City. Since sled hockey’s introduction to the Paralympics in 1994, this remarkable team, led by coach Rick Middleton, remained undefeated throughout the tournament and outscored its opponents by an impressive 26 to 6. Tournament MVP Sylvester Flis was a standout, setting records with 11 goals and 18 total points that still endure.

This year’s inductees each share remarkable legacies that reflect their unwavering dedication and influence on the sport of hockey. Their contributions continue to inspire future generations and highlight the rich history of hockey in the United States.