Colorado Springs, CO (Sports Network) - No American ever scored more goals or
had more points in the NHL than Mike Modano and few teams in any sport can
match the success that Lou Lamoriello's New Jersey Devils have had in the past
25 years.
Their accomplishments have landed them in the United States Hockey Hall of
Fame, along with Eddie Olczyk, as the Class of 2012.
"What a remarkable class," Ron DeGregorio, president of USA Hockey, said in a
statement announcing the selections Wednesday.
Modano, 42, retired after the 2009-10 season having spent his entire 20-year
career in the Stars organization after being drafted as the No. 1 overall
pick.
He scored 561 goals and had 1,374 points to lead all American-born players and
won a Stanley Cup for the Dallas Stars in 1999. He also leads all U.S. players
in games played (1,499) and playoff points (145) in addition to holding the
Stars records for games, goals, assists and points.
The Devils have appeared in five Stanley Cup Finals since Lamoriello joined
the team in 1987, winning three of them. The president, general manager, CEO
and sometimes coach was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2009.
Olczyk, 45, played for six teams between 1984 and 1999, beginning and ending
his NHL career with the Chicago Blackhawks. He won a Stanley Cup with the 1994
New York Rangers and finished with 342 goals and 452 assists in 1,031 games.
All three men also spent time with the U.S. national team at international
competitions, including the Olympics. They will be inducted in the Hall of
Fame in the fall with a date to be determined in the near future.
The Sports Network