The 2025 Hockey Hall of Fame class has been unveiled. The Selection Committee inducted former New York Islander Zdeno Chara in his first year on the ballot.
Chara, best known for his time as captain and 2011 Stanley Cup Champion with the Boston Bruins, played 303 games with the Islanders from 1997 to 2001, and then finished his career with New York in 2021-22. Chara, drafted 56th overall by the Islanders in 1996, began and finished his Hall of Fame career on Long Island.
In his final career game, Chara scored a goal that led to an iconic moment on Long Island, with the crowd saluting the Hall of Famer.
His only other goal in his final season came two weeks prior in Pittsburgh:
Chara’s résumé is untouchable, leading all NHL defensemen in history with 1,680 games played. That’s also good for the seventh-most in league history. Chara won the 2009 Norris Trophy and is a three-time First-Team NHL All-Star, along with an additional four on the Second Team All-Star.
Joining Chara is fellow timeless wonder, Joe Thornton. Both debuted in the 1997-98 NHL season, and both lasted until the 2021-22 season. Joining them from the NHL are Duncan Keith and, finally, Alexander Mogilny. Additionally, the class includes female players Brianna Decker and former Islanders’ broadcaster Jennifer Botterill. The two builders this year are legendary Boston University coach Jack Parker and Daniele Sauvageau.
The induction ceremony will take place on November 10.
