Legendary center Mike Modano will be enshrined into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame as part of the 2012 class.
Modano played in the NHL for 21 years, the vast majority of which he spent in Dallas. Mo was drafted in 1988 by the Minnesota North Stars, the franchise that later moved to Dallas. After being cut from the team in 2010, Modano spent his final year on the ice with the Red Wings (we forgive him) before returning to Dallas and retiring as a member of the Stars.
If you didn't see his emotional retirement speech -- check it out here.
Joining Mo will be New Jersey Devils executive Lou Lamoriello and former NHL player and current NBC Sports announcer Eddie Olczyk.
Here is a quick rundown of some Modano's accomplishments courtesy of the Dallas Stars.
With a professional career that spanned over 21 NHL seasons, Modano is the NHL's all-time goal-scoring and points leader among American-born players with 561 goals and 1,374 points. Modano also holds records for the most NHL playoff points (145) by an American-born player and games played (1,499) by an American-born forward. Modano holds Dallas Stars franchise records for most games played (1,459), goals (557), assists (802) and points (1,359). Drafted first overall by the Minnesota North Stars in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft, Modano helped lead the Dallas Stars to seven division titles, two Western Conference crowns, two Presidents Trophies and the 1999 Stanley Cup championship. He was also a part of the U.S. Men's National Team that captured the gold medal at the 1996 World Cup of Hockey, and helped Team USA to a silver-medal finish at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. The Livonia, Mich., native played 20 seasons with the Stars franchise (1989-2010) before joining the Detroit Red Wings for the 2010-2011 season, his last in the NHL. Modano played in eight NHL All-Star Games during his career and represented Team USA in international competition on 11 occasions across three decades, including the 2002 and 2006 Olympic Winter Games.
"What a remarkable class," said Ron DeGregorio, president of USA Hockey. "The positive impact this group has had on our sport is one that will be felt for decades to come."
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The three will be enshrined into the hall this fall. The date and location are to be determined.
U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame inductees are chosen on the basis of extraordinary contribution to the sport of hockey in the United States. The U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame was founded in 1973, and there are 153 enshrined members in the Hall, which is located in Eveleth, Minn.
