Latest news with #JenniferBotterill
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Hockey Hall of Fame 2025 class: Who made it in?
The Hockey Hall of Fame has announced its Class of 2025, with longtime NHL stars Zdeno Chara and Joe Thornton among the new inductees. Chara, Duncan Keith, and Thornton were all eligible for the first time, meeting Hockey Hall of Fame rules that require a candidate to have not played a single professional or international hockey game for three full seasons. The trio are joined by another former NHL star who got the nod: 2000 Stanley Cup winner Alexander Mogilny. From the world of women's hockey, Canadian three-time Olympic gold medalist Jennifer Botterill and U.S. gold medalist Brianna Decker will join them in the Hockey Hall of Fame, which is located in Toronto. Botterill and Decker take the total number of women's players in the Hall of Fame up to 12, with the first inductees only being named in 2010. Here is what to know about the Hockey Hall of Fame's 2025 inductees: 2025 NHL Draft: First-round order and how to watch two-day event Hockey Hall of Fame: Who was inducted in Class of 2025? The 2025 inductees into the Hockey Hall of Fame include four men's players: Zdeno Chara, Duncan Keith, Alexander Mogilny, and Joe Thornton. Jennifer Botterill and Brianna Decker are the two women inducted in this year's class, with Hall of Fame rules stipulating that a maximum of four men's players and two women's players can get the honor in a given year. There are also two more entrants from the Builders category, with Jack Parker and Daniele Sauvageau honored for their contributions to the sport. Zdeno Chara: Hockey Hall of Fame defenseman's stats, career Zdeno Chara's 24-season NHL career included 14 seasons with the Boston Bruins, where he served as captain for his entire run with the team. Here is where he spent his time in the league: New York Islanders (1997-2001, 2021-22) Ottawa Senators (2001-06) Boston Bruins (2006-2020) Washington Capitals (2020-21) Honors: Stanley Cup champion: 2010-11 (Boston Bruins) Eastern Conference champion: 2010-11, 2012-13, 2018-19 (all with Boston Bruins) Norris Trophy winner: 2008-09 (Boston Bruins) All-time NHL leader in games played by a defenseman with 1,680 Six-time NHL All-Star (2002-03, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2010-11, 2011-12) Tallest NHL player ever (Chara stands at 6-foot-9) Stats: Games played: 1,680 (200 more playoff games) Regular season: 680 points (209 goals, 471 assists) Playoffs: 70 points (18 goals, 52 assists) Joe Thornton: Hockey Hall of Fame center's stats, career Joe Thornton's NHL career was also 24 seasons long, the majority of which were spent in a San Jose Sharks sweater. Here are the teams he played for across those years: Boston Bruins (1997-2005) San Jose Sharks (2005-2020) Toronto Maple Leafs (2020-21) Florida Panthers (2021-22) Honors: Olympic gold medalist: 2010 (Canada) World Cup of Hockey gold medal: 2004, 2016 (Canada) Hart Trophy winner: 2005-06 (Boston Bruins and San Jose Sharks) Art Ross Trophy winner: 2005-06 (Boston Bruins and San Jose Sharks) Only player to ever change teams during a season and win the Hart Memorial and Art Ross trophies Six-time NHL All-Star (2001-02, 2002-03, 2003-04, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09) Stats: Games played: 1,714 (sixth all-time) (187 more playoff games) Regular season: 1,539 points (430 goals, 1,109 assists) Playoffs: 134 points (32 goals, 102 assists) Duncan Keith: Hockey Hall of Fame defenseman's stats, career Duncan Keith had a 17-season NHL career, 16 of which were spent as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks before he concluded his run in pro hockey with the Edmonton Oilers: Chicago Blackhawks (2005-2021) Edmonton Oilers (2021-22) Honors: Three-time Stanley Cup champion: 2009-10, 2012-13, 2014-15 (all Chicago Blackhawks) Two-time Olympic gold medalist: 2010, 2014 (both Canada) Two-time Norris Trophy winner: 2009-10, 2013-14 (both Chicago Blackhawks) Four-time NHL All-Star (2007-08, 2010-11, 2014-15, 2016-17) Stats: Games played: 1,256 (151 more playoff games) Regular season: 646 points (106 goals, 540 assists) Playoffs: 91 points (19 goals, 72 assists) Alexander Mogilny: Hockey Hall of Fame forward's stats, career Alexander Mogilny spent three seasons playing in the Soviet Championship League before coming to the NHL, becoming the first Soviet star to defect in the process. He played 17 seasons for the following teams: Buffalo Sabres (1989-1995) Vancouver Canucks (1995-2000) New Jersey Devils (2000-01, 2005-06) Toronto Maple Leafs (2001-04) Honors: Stanley Cup champion: 1999-2000 (New Jersey Devils) Olympic gold medalist: 1988 (Soviet Union) Lady Byng Trophy winner: 2002-03 (Toronto Maple Leafs) Six-time NHL All-Star (1991-92, 1992-93, 1993-94, 1995-96, 2000-01, 2002-03) One of 30 players ever to be a part of the "Triple Gold Club," for winning a Stanley Cup, Olympic gold medal, and World Championship gold medal Stats: Games played: 990 Regular season: 1,032 points (473 goals, 559 assists) Playoffs: 86 points (39 goals, 47 assists) This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hockey Hall of Fame 2025: Zdeno Chara, Joe Thornton highlight class
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Hall of Fame call 'beyond my ultimate dream,' says Manitoba hockey star Jennifer Botterill
One of Manitoba's most decorated athletes will now be able to call herself a Hockey Hall of Famer. Jennifer Botterill — who was born in Ottawa but raised in Winnipeg — was announced Tuesday as a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame's class of 2025. She joins seven others who will become Hall of Fame members at an induction ceremony in Toronto in November. Botterill and Brianna Decker will become the 13th and 14th female players inducted into the hall. "I do feel like it's the ultimate honour of recognition," Botterill told CBC News Tuesday afternoon. "It's the highest recognition you can receive in the sport." Her hall of fame resume is extensive. After graduating from Winnipeg's St. John's-Ravenscourt, she starred on the ice at Harvard University, racking up hundreds of points en route to becoming the only player to win the Patty Kazmaier Award twice — a recognition for the top player in women's NCAA Division 1 hockey. Botterill also collected gold medals at three different winter Olympic Games with Team Canada, and is a five-time world champion, where she won two tournament MVP awards. She played professionally before retiring in 2011 and now works as a television broadcaster, among other ventures. "To be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, I think, is beyond my ultimate dream," she said. Botterill found out about her upcoming induction on Tuesday, while out with her family and parents at West Hawk Lake in eastern Manitoba. Her father, Cal, chuckled as he recounted how difficult it was to reach her when the Hall of Fame came calling. The family was out for a boat ride, he said. "She wasn't answering the phone, so we got a couple of calls from Jason, her brother, saying, 'Tell Jennifer to answer her phone,'" he said with a laugh. When they got to the dock, another call came from Hockey Hall of Fame chairman Lanny McDonald and selection committee chair Ron Francis, Botterill said. After the call, she celebrated with her family, including her husband and daughters, who were jumping up and down on the edge of the dock, she said. "I think my heart … just felt like it was bursting," said Botterill. "I share this with my family, because they've always been so supportive of me on my journey, from a young age to my international career. "And so to have the chance to just literally go over and share the news and share hugs with them … was a beautiful moment for me with those emotions." Botterill has been eligible for the Hall of Fame since 2014, but she said couldn't let herself be consumed by whether the call would come. In past years, Botterill said she was filled with excitement watching the induction of some of her teammates, or people she played against. WATCH | Manitoba star Jennifer Botterill to be inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame: "I was … spending time with my family and not expecting that 'OK, this is going to be the year,' or the call was going to come through," she said. "So I would say I was surprised in a very delightful way when the call came." Cal Botterill echoed some of those thoughts. "I think we felt all along, after we saw what she was accomplishing, that one day she might be a candidate," he said. "But it's still exciting to see her being honoured." Botterill was also part of Sport Manitoba's Hall of Fame class in 2024 and Hockey Manitoba's in 2017. She said she hopes her career will be a source of inspiration and motivation for others. "You never know when that moment might be for a young athlete, to help them to believe in themselves, and what might be possible," she said. "If there is some small way that can provide a little source of inspiration for someone, that would be the ultimate honour." Another Winnipegger, defenceman Duncan Keith, who played for Chicago Blackhawks and the Edmonton Oilers, was also named as a Hall of Fame inductee on Tuesday.
CBC
25-06-2025
- Sport
- CBC
Hall of Fame call 'beyond my ultimate dream,' says Manitoba hockey star Jennifer Botterill
One of Manitoba's most decorated athletes will now be able to call herself a Hockey Hall of Famer. Jennifer Botterill — who was born in Ottawa but raised in Winnipeg — was announced Tuesday as a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame's class of 2025. She joins seven others who will become Hall of Fame members at an induction ceremony in Toronto in November. Botterill and Brianna Decker will become the 13th and 14th female players inducted into the hall. "I do feel like it's the ultimate honour of recognition," Botterill told CBC News Tuesday afternoon. "It's the highest recognition you can receive in the sport." Her hall of fame resume is extensive. After graduating from Winnipeg's St. John's-Ravenscourt, she starred on the ice at Harvard University, racking up hundreds of points en route to becoming the only player to win the Patty Kazmaier Award twice — a recognition for the top player in women's NCAA Division 1 hockey. Botterill also collected gold medals at three different winter Olympic Games with Team Canada, and is a five-time world champion, where she won two tournament MVP awards. She played professionally before retiring in 2011 and now works as a television broadcaster, among other ventures. "To be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, I think, is beyond my ultimate dream," she said. 'Tell Jennifer to answer her phone' Botterill found out about her upcoming induction on Tuesday, while out with her family and parents at West Hawk Lake in eastern Manitoba. Her father, Cal, chuckled as he recounted how difficult it was to reach her when the Hall of Fame came calling. The family was out for a boat ride, he said. "She wasn't answering the phone, so we got a couple of calls from Jason, her brother, saying, 'Tell Jennifer to answer her phone,'" he said with a laugh. When they got to the dock, another call came from Hockey Hall of Fame chairman Lanny McDonald and selection committee chair Ron Francis, Botterill said. After the call, she celebrated with her family, including her husband and daughters, who were jumping up and down on the edge of the dock, she said. "I think my heart … just felt like it was bursting," said Botterill. "I share this with my family, because they've always been so supportive of me on my journey, from a young age to my international career. "And so to have the chance to just literally go over and share the news and share hugs with them … was a beautiful moment for me with those emotions." 'Surprised in a very delightful way' Botterill has been eligible for the Hall of Fame since 2014, but she said couldn't let herself be consumed by whether the call would come. In past years, Botterill said she was filled with excitement watching the induction of some of her teammates, or people she played against. WATCH | Manitoba star Jennifer Botterill to be inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame: Manitoba star Jennifer Botterill to be inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame 3 hours ago Duration 1:52 Jennifer Botterill was named to the Hockey Hall of Fame's class of 2025 Tuesday. Winnipeg-born defenceman Duncan Keith is also part of the class. "I was … spending time with my family and not expecting that 'OK, this is going to be the year,' or the call was going to come through," she said. "So I would say I was surprised in a very delightful way when the call came." Cal Botterill echoed some of those thoughts. "I think we felt all along, after we saw what she was accomplishing, that one day she might be a candidate," he said. "But it's still exciting to see her being honoured." Botterill was also part of Sport Manitoba's Hall of Fame class in 2024 and Hockey Manitoba's in 2017. She said she hopes her career will be a source of inspiration and motivation for others. "You never know when that moment might be for a young athlete, to help them to believe in themselves, and what might be possible," she said. "If there is some small way that can provide a little source of inspiration for someone, that would be the ultimate honour." Another Winnipegger, defenceman Duncan Keith, who played for Chicago Blackhawks and the Edmonton Oilers, was also named as a Hall of Fame inductee on Tuesday.
Winnipeg Free Press
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Winnipegger Jennifer Botterill gets the call from Hockey Hall of Fame
That Jennifer Botterill found herself enjoying a beautiful summer day at the family cottage at West Hawk Lake when the call from the Hockey Hall of Fame came seems rather appropriate. As Botterill returned from a boat ride, the Winnipegger noticed that someone was trying to get in touch with her. 'I got back and checked my phone and I had all of these misssed calls. I was looking at my phone and the same number came through, moments after I got off the boat. I answered it and it was Lanny McDonald and Ron Francis,' Botterill said Tuesday afternoon after the news became official that she was part of the 2025 Hockey Hall of Fame induction class. Other inductees include Winnipeg-born and Fort Frances, Ont. raised Duncan Keith, Brianna Decker, Zdeno Chara, Joe Thornton, Alexander Mogilny, Jack Parker and Daniele Sauvageau. 'They shared the news and we had a good chat.' Jeff Vinnick / Hockey Canada Jennifer Botterill was on the Canadian women's hockey team for the 2006 and 2010 Olympics. Jeff Vinnick / Hockey Canada Jennifer Botterill was on the Canadian women's hockey team for the 2006 and 2010 Olympics. The induction ceremony will take place on Nov. 10 in Toronto, where Botterill and Decker will become the 13th and 14th women's players to enter the hallowed hall. Botterill is the first Manitoba woman to receive the distinction and having the chance to share the news with her biggest supporters is something Botterill won't soon forget. 'Lots of tears of joy,' said Botterill, who was joined by her mother Doreen, father Cal, husband Adrian Lomonaco and her three girls, Maya, Brooklynn and Wyllow. 'My girls were jumping up and down next to the water. Just so fitting for me that I am here with my family and get this phone call with the most incredible news. A really fun moment.' Botterill was a multisport athlete who grew up in Wildwood Park and ended up winning provincial championships in five sports: hockey, ringette, volleyball, badminton and basketball. Ultimately, Botterill was drawn to the sport of hockey. 'The one story I often tell is that when I first started playing (hockey), both of my parents said they knew it was something special because they could see my smile through my cage every time I was on the ice,' said Botterill, whose brother Jason played in the NHL and was recently named general manager of the Seattle Kraken. 'They knew pretty early on that this was something I was passionate about, that I absolutely loved playing the game.' Botterill's passion never waned, and by the time she retired from the national team in 2011, her resume included three Olympic gold medals and one silver to go along with five gold medals and another three silvers from the IIHF women's world championship. 'Early on … this was something I was passionate about, that I absolutely loved playing the game.'–Jennifer Botterill Individually, the smooth-skating centre captured most valuable player honours twice (2001 and 2004) at the IIHF women's world championship and she was a prolific scorer for the Harvard Crimson during her four seasons, while earning the Patty Kazmeier award as the top player in women's NCAA hockey twice (2001, 2003). In her final game with the Canadian national team, Botterill set up the game-winning goal from Marie-Philip Poulin in a 2-0 victory over the United States at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. Many pundits have wondered why it's taken so long for Botterill to be inducted, given her sparkling resume and all that she's done for the game. That's not something Botterill ever got bogged down with, which is probably one of the reasons she earned an honours degree in psychology from Harvard. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Although Botterill had received messages of support in recent days from friends and colleagues that this call might come, she didn't feel a heightened sense of anticipation. 'It really wasn't on my radar,' said Botterill. 'You're not sure if it's going to happen or it's not, in terms of the timing. I didn't even think about bringing the phone with me on the boat ride. It wasn't where my thought process was.' In recent years, Botterill had chosen to focus on her teammates and friends who had received the call from the Hockey Hall of Fame rather than wonder when — or if — her time would come. 'It's been so much fun to share that with them and to follow along,' said Botterill. 'I was just so authentically happy and surprised to receive that call today. I'm filled with gratitude.' During a conference call Tuesday afternoon, Botterill reminisced about walking to the two outdoor rinks at Wildwood Community Club before her teenage years arrived. Julie Jacobson / The Associated Press files Botterill (centre) leaps over the boards to celebrate Canada winning the gold medal in women's hockey at the 2006 Winter Olympics. Julie Jacobson / The Associated Press files Botterill (centre) leaps over the boards to celebrate Canada winning the gold medal in women's hockey at the 2006 Winter Olympics. 'I would literally pack a bag of pucks and put it over your shoulder with your hockey sticks and your skates,' she said. 'Many days were fresh and cool in Winnipeg, but it made for great outdoor rinks. That's where I first fell in love with the sport. Whether it was shooting pucks on my own or a game of pickup hockey. In terms of how far the sport has come and in terms of this amazing honour, I don't think that little girl growing up in Wildwood Park could have imagined this coming to life one day.' When it was first announced that women's hockey was becoming an Olympic sport, Botterill began dreaming of representing her country one day. Her hard work and determination helped Botterill realize that goal at the age of 18, when she was the youngest player suiting up for Canada in Nagano in 1998. Before she was done, Botterill had played 184 international games. 'I still smile as I think back to those conversations expressing my goals and my dreams to my parents and sharing that with them,' said Botterill. 'They provided an environment where Jason and I felt encouraged. And they taught us to believe in ourselves. 'I'm extremely thankful for the family environment I had and the support I had — and the incredible life journey that hockey has provided to me.' A post shared by Jennifer Botterill (@jenbotterill) Botterill has been involved in television broadcasting of the NHL since 2018 when she covered the New York Islanders for MSG. She is currently an analyst on Hockey Night in Canada and Rogers Sportsnet and also covers hockey for the NHL on TNT with Turner Sports / Warner Bros. She's also been heavily involved in broadcasting the women's game and is happy to see the growth of the PWHL. 'It's exciting to see all of the choices for women in the game now,' said Botterill, who was previously inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame in 2024 and Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame in 2017. 'To have three girls that have chosen to play the sport and seem to love it — and now, just seeing it through their eyes, is something that's really fulfilling. PHIL HOSSACK/ Free Press files Botterill during the 2010 Olympic Gold medal ceremonies in Vancouver. PHIL HOSSACK/ Free Press files Botterill during the 2010 Olympic Gold medal ceremonies in Vancouver. 'It's fun to reflect on that little girl walking down Section C of Wildwood Park and (see) how far the game has come.' Parker and Sauvageau got in as builders, while the six others were chosen in the player category. Sauvageau shared some thoughts on Botterill's best qualities during Tuesday's conference call. 'There was always a great discussion. It was not just to do things to do them, but why and what is the best way to do it,' said Sauvageau. 'Whenever I have the occasion to see her speak with her hockey analysis, I recognize the young hockey player that put in so much work trying to be the best that she could be. 'She talked about appreciating her teammates and we often say that to be one of the greatest hockey players, you have to also be one of the greatest teammates and that's basically what she has been. And I'm sure that she continues to be in every field that she has touched in her life.' Decker, who played her college hockey for the Wisconsin Badgers and was a star with the U.S. national team, has an immense appreciation for Botterill. 'I looked up to her quite a bit, even though she was always the opponent,' said Decker. 'It's incredible to be part of a class with her. She's done so much for the game and obviously, I'm a little bit younger but at the same time, I tried to pave the way as much as possible — just (like) she has. 'She's a great role model.' X and Bluesky: @WiebesWorld Ken WiebeReporter Ken Wiebe is a sports reporter for the Free Press, with an emphasis on the Winnipeg Jets. He has covered hockey and provided analysis in this market since 2000 for the Winnipeg Sun, The Athletic, and TSN. Ken was a summer intern at the Free Press in 1999 and returned to the Free Press in a full-time capacity in September of 2023. Read more about Ken. Every piece of reporting Ken produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Globe and Mail
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Globe and Mail
Botterill's Hockey Hall of Fame selection a full-circle moment
Jennifer Botterill was visiting her parents in Manitoba on Tuesday when the call came from the Hockey Hall of Fame. When she learned she had been inducted, she shed tears with her family, which includes three young hockey-playing daughters. 'My heart is full of gratitude,' Botterill, currently a studio analyst on NHL broadcasts for Sportsnet and TNT, said during a conference call with journalists. 'I am hugely honoured. Truly overwhelmed.' One of Canada's greatest women's hockey players, she was a member of national teams that won three Olympic gold medals and five International Ice Hockey Federation world championships. She was selected to the hall as a player along with Brianna Decker, a gold-medal winning member of Team USA, former NHL defencemen Zdeno Chara and Duncan Keith and forwards Alexander Mogilny and Joe Thornton. Daniele Sauvageau, a former national team coach, was inducted in the builder category. So was Jack Parker, who coached Boston University for 40 years. Sauvageau is the first woman ever elected in the builder category. When she led Canada to the 2002 gold medal in Salt Lake City, it was the first time in a half-century that a Canadian hockey team -- men or women -- had won an Olympic gold medal. 'It's an incredible honour,' Sauvageau said. 'I couldn't even talk when they called me.' Parker won three NCAA championships and took teams to NCAA tournaments 24 times. 'I was taking a nap when they called,' he said. 'I was absolutely flabbergasted. 'I kind of wonder what I am doing here.' Chara played 24 seasons in the NHL and served as captain of the Boston Bruins for 14. The 6-foot-9 Slovakian won the Norris Trophy and Stanley Cup once each during his career. In 17 NHL seasons, Keith won the Norris (2010, 2014) and Conn Smythe trophies (2015) and three Stanley Cups with the Chicago Blackhawks. He retired as a member of the Edmonton Oilers in 2022. 'My goal always was to play in the NHL,' Keith said from his home in Penticton, B.C. 'I just took it one step at a time. When I look back at my journey as a hockey player, there are so many people I want to thank.' Mogilny was asleep in Russia when Lanny McDonald, the outgoing chairman of the board of the Hockey Hall of Fame, gave him a ring. After a thank-you, Mogilny went back to bed. He played for four teams over 16 seasons in the NHL and averaged more than a point per game. He tied for the league lead with 76 goals while with the Buffalo Sabres in 1992-1993 and in 2000 won a Stanley Cup with the New Jersey Devils. In 1997 the Bruins selected Thornton with the first overall pick. Traded to the San Jose Sharks in 2005, he went on to lead the team in scoring eight times over his next 15 seasons. He also won Olympic gold with Canada in 2010. Thornton was about to board a flight when McDonald tried to call to inform him that he had been inducted. It took 15 tries for him to answer. 'He thought it was a scam call,' McDonald said. Botterill was inducted in her 12th year of eligibility. She grew up in Winnipeg and skated at a young age but did not play organized hockey until she was 12. She recalls carrying a bag of pucks about 500 metres to two outdoor rinks near her home. 'That's where I fell in love with the sport,' she said. 'I don't think that little girl could have imagined what would come to life.' She went on to play four exceptional years at Harvard University, where she won the Patty Kazmaier Award twice as the NCAA's top female player. The rest is history. 'I really love that women and girls now have a choice,' Botterill said. 'I think of the opportunities I have and the career I have now and I am grateful. 'It is great to see women getting these opportunities that they deserve.'
