A Legacy Forged in Ice: Pavelski, Gomez, Parise, Mounsey, and Bennett Elected to U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame

A Legacy Forged in Ice: Pavelski, Gomez, Parise, Mounsey, and Bennett Elected to U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame

The United States Hockey Hall of Fame has unveiled its Class of 2025, and it is a testament to the diverse paths to greatness within the American hockey landscape. This year’s induction group celebrates elite scoring, championship pedigree, pioneering spirit, and the artist who has captured it all through his lens for over half a century.

USA Hockey announced that NHL stalwarts Joe PavelskiScott Gomez, and Zach Parise will be enshrined alongside Olympic gold medalist Tara Mounsey and legendary photographer Bruce Bennett. The five icons will be formally honored at a ceremony in Saint Paul, Minnesota, on December 10.

The Iron Man and Mr. Playoff: Joe Pavelski

The story of Joe Pavelski is one of relentless determination defying the odds. Hailing from Plover, Wisconsin, Pavelski was a seventh-round afterthought (205th overall in 2003) who will now have his name etched among American hockey's immortals. His career is a masterclass in consistency and clutch performance.

Over 1,332 regular-season games with the San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars, "Captain America" or "Little Joe" amassed 1,068 points. But his legend was truly built in the spring. Pavelski’s teams reached the playoffs in 16 of his 18 seasons, and he finishes his career as the all-time leading goal-scorer (74) among U.S.-born players in Stanley Cup Playoff history, adding 143 points in 201 postseason games.

A franchise icon in San Jose, where he ranks near the top of every major statistical category, Pavelski captained the Sharks to the 2016 Stanley Cup Final. He then authored a brilliant second act in Dallas, leading the Stars to the 2020 Final and proving his timeless value well into his late 30s. A 2010 Olympic silver medalist and captain of the 2016 World Cup of Hockey team, Pavelski’s career is the gold standard for American-born forwards.



Scott Gomez’s induction is a celebration of winning and watershed moments. From Anchorage, Alaska, and of Mexican-Colombian heritage, Gomez smashed barriers by becoming the first Latino player to win the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s Rookie of the Year in 2000. But that was just the beginning of his accolades.

Selected 27th overall by the New Jersey Devils in 1997, Gomez was an immediate impact player on a championship-caliber team. His dazzling playmaking and elite speed were central to the Devils’ Stanley Cup victories in 2000 and 2003. Over a 16-season career, Gomez tallied 756 points, but his true value was measured in his two rings and 101 playoff points.

A two-time All-Star and member of the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame, Gomez continues to give back to the game, set to begin his first season as head coach of the USHL's Chicago Steel. His career paved the way for a more diverse generation of players and showcased a unique blend of skill and championship mettle.

The Heart and Soul Competitor: Zach Parise

For 19 NHL seasons, Zach Parise’s engine and compete level were his unmistakable signature. The Minneapolis native carved out a spectacular career defined by his relentless drive to the net and a nose for the big goal. Drafted 17th overall by New Jersey in 2003, Parise became a superstar, eventually fulfilling a dream by returning home to play for the Minnesota Wild.

Parise’s resume is one of remarkable longevity and production: 1,254 regular-season games, 839 points, and 15 postseason appearances. He came agonizingly close to the ultimate prize, leading the Devils to the 2012 Stanley Cup Final. His international record is equally impressive, featuring a silver medal at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and a foundational role on the U.S. teams that won its first World Junior gold (2004) and an U18 World Championship (2002). Parise’s blue-collar excellence and leadership made him a beloved figure on every team he played for.

The Pioneer on the Blue Line: Tara Mounsey

Long before women’s hockey was in the mainstream spotlight, Tara Mounsey was redefining what was possible for a defenseman. The Concord, New Hampshire native was a force for the pioneering U.S. Women’s National Team, playing a crucial role in securing the first-ever Olympic gold medal in women’s hockey at the 1998 Nagano Games. An offensive dynamo from the back end, Mounsey recorded a point in five of the six games in Nagano.

She followed that up with a team-best seven assists to help secure a silver medal at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics. Her talent was undeniable from a young age; she famously played on the boys' team at Concord High School and was named the New Hampshire Class-L Player of the Year—among all boys and girls.

Her collegiate career at Brown University was legendary. As a freshman, she led the Bears to a stunning 28-2-1 record and was a two-time finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Award, given to the nation's best player. Now an orthopedic practitioner, Mounsey’s legacy as one of the most skilled and impactful defenders in the history of the women’s game is now permanently honored.

The Man Behind the Lens: Bruce Bennett

If you’ve ever seen an iconic hockey photograph from the last 50 years, there’s a strong chance it was taken by Bruce Bennett. The Brooklyn native is the preeminent historian of the game, not with words, but with images. His numbers are staggering: over 5,300 NHL games, 45 Stanley Cup Finals, six Winter Olympics (with a seventh upcoming in 2026), and more than 470 international games.

As the team photographer for the New York Islanders during their dynasty years, Bennett captured the sport's raw emotion, triumph, and agony. His company, Bruce Bennett Studios, became synonymous with hockey photography before being acquired by Getty Images in 2004. With an archive of over 2.5 million images, Bennett has preserved the game’s history one shutter click at a time, ensuring its legends and moments are never forgotten.

This year’s class perfectly encapsulates the spirit of American hockey: from the seventh-round pick who became a legend, to the barrier-breaking champion, the heart-and-soul competitor, the Olympic pioneer, and the legendary chronicler. Together, they have forever shaped the game in the United States.

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