Search By First Name of HOFer
Tommy Smith
Inducted:
1973
Player Stats
5 ft 6 in (168 cm)
150 lb (68 kg; 10 st 10 lb)
Born:
September 27, 1885
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Died:
August 1, 1966
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Position:
Centre
College:
NA
Tommy Smith was one of the most prolific goal-scorers of the pre-NHL era, known for his relentless offensive drive and ability to lead the league in scoring across multiple early professional leagues. Smith was a key figure in the game from 1905 to 1920, frequently jumping teams and leagues to follow the highest financial opportunities, a common practice at the time.
His legacy is cemented by winning two Stanley Cup championships—one with the Ottawa Silver Seven in 1906 and another as a scoring star for the Quebec Bulldogs in 1913. Despite a brief and statistically quiet stint in the fledgling National Hockey League at the very end of his career, his explosive scoring records in the National Hockey Association (NHA) and other professional circuits made him a dominant offensive force in the first golden age of hockey.
He was formally inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1973.
Smith's Awards and Records
- 2x Stanley Cup Champion (Ottawa Silver Seven: 1906; Quebec Bulldogs: 1913)
- 2x National Hockey Association (NHA) Goals Leader (1914, 1915)
- 2x National Hockey Association (NHA) Scoring Leader (1914, 1915)
- 1x Federal Amateur Hockey League (FAHL) Scoring Leader (1906)
Notable Achievements
- Led the National Hockey Association (NHA) in goals and points in back-to-back seasons (1913–14, 1914–15)
- Recorded an unprecedented eight goals in a single game for the Ottawa Victorias in 1906
- Finished his professional career with a total of 363 goals scored across various leagues
NHL Teams
Quebec Bulldogs (1912-1914,1915-1917,1919-1920)
Toronto Shamrocks (1914-1915)
Number Worn:
10, 15
NHL Stats
Seasons Played (NHA/NHL):
6 (1912-15,1919-20)
Games Played:
103
Goals:
141
Assists:
17
Points:
158
Penalty Minutes:
170
Playoff Games:
2
Goals:
2
Points:
2
Stanley Cups:
2 (1906, 1913)
Tony Esposito
Inducted:
1988
Player Stats
5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb)
Born:
April 23, 1943
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada
Died:
August 10, 2021
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Position:
Goaltender
College:
Michigan Technological University
Tony Esposito was a pioneering goaltender known for his innovative butterfly style and remarkable consistency. Playing primarily for the Chicago Blackhawks from 1969 to 1984, Esposito was a dominant presence in the net, earning respect for his quick reflexes and calm under pressure. He won the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie and was a three-time Vezina Trophy winner as the league’s best goaltender.
Known for his competitiveness and durability, Esposito set franchise records and was instrumental in leading the Blackhawks to multiple playoff appearances. His influence extended beyond his playing career, helping popularize goaltending techniques that are standard today. Tony Esposito was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988, cementing his place among the game’s all-time greats.
Esposito's Awards and Records
- Stanley Cup Champion (1969)
- Calder Memorial Trophy (1970)
- Vezina Trophy (1970, 1972, 1974)
- Played 886 NHL games, one of the era’s most durable goalies
NHL Records
- NHL First All-Star Team Goalie (1970, 1972, 1980)
- NHL Second All-Star Team Goalie (1973, 1974)
- Set the Chicago Blackhawks franchise record for wins (423)
- Led the NHL in goals against average twice (1970, 1972)
- Awarded the Calder Memorial Trophy as rookie of the year in 1969
- Selected to 6 NHL All-Star Games during his career
Career Teams:
Montreal Canadiens (1968-1969)
Chicago Black Hawks (1969-1984)
National team:
Canada (1972,1977)
United States (1981)
Number Worn:
35
Career Stats
Seasons:
1968–1984
Games Played:
886
Wins:
423
Losses:
306
Ties:
151
Goals Against Average:
3.07
Shutouts:
6
Save Percentage:
.903
Turk Broda
Inducted:
1967
Player Stats
5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
165 lb (75 kg; 11 st 11 lb)
Born:
May 15, 1914
Brandon, Manitoba, Canada
Died:
October 17, 1972
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Position:
Goaltender
College:
NA
Walter Edward "Turk" Broda was the ultimate "money goalie" and a cornerstone of the Toronto Maple Leafs' first great dynasty. Known for his cheerful personality and unflappable nerves, Broda was at his best when the stakes were highest. He backstopped the Leafs to five Stanley Cup championships, including the historic 1942 comeback from a 3-0 series deficit and the 1940s "three-peat."
Despite a two-year hiatus to serve in the Canadian Army during World War II, he returned to the NHL without missing a beat, capturing two Vezina Trophies and becoming the first goaltender in league history to reach 300 wins. Broda’s legacy is defined by his postseason brilliance; his career playoff goals-against average remains a staggering 1.98. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1967.
Broda's Awards and Record:
- 5x Stanley Cup Champion (1942, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1951)
- 2x Vezina Trophy (1941, 1948)
- 2x NHL First All-Star Team (1941, 1948)
- 1x NHL Second All-Star Team (1942)
- 4x NHL All-Star Game appearance
NHL Records:
- NHL First All-Star Team Goalie (1941 and 1948)
- NHL Second All-Star Team Goalie (1942)
- Named one of the "100 Greatest NHL Players" (2017)
- Number 1 retired by the Toronto Maple Leafs
- First goaltender in NHL history to record 300 regular-season career victories
NHL Teams
Toronto Maple Leafs (1936-1952)
Number Worn:
1
NHL Stats
Seasons:
14 (1936-1952)
Games Played:
629
Wins:
302
Losses:
224
Tied:
101
Goals Against Average (GAA):
2.53
Shutouts:
62
Playoff Record:
60-39 in 101 games
Playoff GAA:
1.98
Stanley Cups:
5 (1942,1947,1948,1949,1951)
Vaclav Nedomansky
Inducted:
2019
Václav Nedomanský is a Hall of Fame forward who made history as the first Czechoslovak player to defect to North America and compete in the NHL.
After a prolific 12-season career with Slovan Bratislava, where he led the Czech league in goals and points three times, he joined the WHA in 1974, posting a 56-goal, 98-point season in 1975–76. In 1977, he signed with the Detroit Red Wings, becoming one of the NHL’s first major European stars.
Over six NHL seasons with Detroit, St. Louis, and the New York Rangers, Nedomanský tallied 122 goals and 278 points in 421 games. Internationally, he earned Olympic silver and bronze medals and was named Best Forward at the 1974 IIHF World Championship.
His trailblazing career was honored with induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2019.
Nedomansky's Awards and Records
- First Czechoslovak player to defect to North America and play in the NHL (1974)
- Hockey Hall of Fame Inductee – Class of 2019
- IIHF Hall of Fame Inductee – 1997
- Paul Deneau Trophy Winner (WHA's Most Gentlemanly Player) – 1975–76
- Led Czech League in goals and points three times: 1966–67, 1971–72, 1973–74
- Best Forward at the 1974 IIHF World Championship
- Olympic Silver Medalist – 1968; Bronze Medalist – 1972
- IIHF All-Time Czech Team – 2020
Teams
Slovan Bratislava (1962-1974)
Toronto Toros (1974-1976)
Birmingham Bulls (1976-1977)
NHL Teams
Detroit Red Wings (1977-1982)
St. Louis Blues (1982-1983)
New York Rangers (1982-1983)
Numbers Worn:
14
Stats
Seasons:
6 (1977-1983)
Games Played:
421
Goal:
122
Assist:
156
Points:
278
Penalty Minutes:
88
Valeri Kharlamov
Inducted:
2005
Player Stats
Stats:
5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
168 lb (76 kg; 12 st 0 lb)
Born:
14 January 1948
Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
Died:
27 August 1981
near Solnechnogorsk, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
Position:
Left wing
College:
NA
Valeri Kharlamov was a dazzling Soviet winger whose speed, creativity, and puck-handling made him one of the most electrifying players in international hockey history. Though he never played in the NHL, his performances against top NHL competition—including in the 1972 Summit Series—cemented his global legend.
A star for CSKA Moscow and the Soviet national team, Kharlamov won 2 Olympic gold medals, 8 World Championships, and earned admiration for his flair, vision, and deadly scoring touch. His small frame didn't stop him from dominating on the ice—he glided effortlessly, made defenders miss, and elevated Soviet hockey to new heights. Tragically, his life was cut short in a car accident in 1981 at just 33 years old. Despite a shortened career, his impact was massive.
In 2005, Kharlamov was posthumously inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in the Builder/International category, a tribute to one of the sport’s true artists.
Kharlamov's Awards and Records
- 2× Olympic Gold Medalist (1972, 1976)
- 8× IIHF World Champion
- 2× Soviet Player of the Year
- Inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame (1998)
- Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame (2005 – International Category)
- Soviet League Champion – 11 times with CSKA Moscow
- Summit Series standout vs. Team Canada (1972)
- The Kharlamov Trophy is awarded annually to the best Russian NHL player
- Jersey No. 17 retired by CSKA Moscow
NHL Teams
Soviet Union (National Team)
CSKA Moscow (Club Team)
Numbers Worn:
17
NHL Stats
National Team Games:
123 (Soviet Union)
Goals:
89
Assists:
103
Points:
192
National Team Goals:
155
World Championships Golds:
8 (1969–1974, 1978–1979)
Olympic Gold Medals:
2 (1972, 1976)
Olympic Silver Medal:
1 (1980)
Summit Series (1972):
7 games, 3 goals, 4 assists
Soviet League Points:
402 goals in 530 games
Viacheslav Fetisov
Inducted:
2001
Player Stats
Stats:
6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
216 lb (98 kg; 15 st 6 lb)
Born:
20 April 1958
Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
Position:
Defence
College:
CSKA Moscow
Viacheslav Fetisov was a legendary defenseman whose career bridged Cold War barriers and redefined international hockey success. Before joining the NHL, he dominated with CSKA Moscow and the Soviet national team, winning two Olympic gold medals and seven World Championships. In 1989, after years of political resistance, Fetisov became one of the first Soviet players allowed to join the NHL.
He played nine seasons with the New Jersey Devils and Detroit Red Wings, bringing elite skill, vision, and leadership to the blue line. At age 39, he helped lead Detroit to back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 1997 and 1998. Renowned for his composure, crisp passing, and global impact, Fetisov was more than a player — he was a symbol of hockey’s evolution.
He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2001 and later served as Russia’s Minister of Sport, continuing to influence the game off the ice.
Fetisov's Awards and Records
- 2× Olympic Gold Medalist (1984, 1988)
- Olympic Silver Medalist (1980)
- 7× IIHF World Championship Gold Medalist
- 2× Stanley Cup Champion (1997, 1998 – Detroit Red Wings)
- First wave of Soviet players to enter the NHL
- Named one of IIHF’s 100 Greatest Hockey Players
NHL Record
- One of the first Soviet players allowed to play in the NHL
- Oldest defenseman at the time to win back-to-back Stanley Cups
- Key member of the Detroit Red Wings' “Russian Five”
- Played 9 NHL seasons after a full international career
- First Soviet-trained player to become an NHL assistant coach
NHL Teams
New Jersey Devils (1989-94)
Spartak Moscow (1994-95)
Detroit Red Wings (1994-98)
NHL Draft:
201st overall, 1978
Montreal Canadiens
145th overall, 1983
New Jersey Devils
Numbers Worn:
2
NHL Stats
Seasons (NHL):
9 (1989–1998)
Games Played:
546
Goals:
36
Assists:
192
Points:
228
Penalty Minutes:
276
Vladislav Tretiak
Inducted:
1989
Player Stats
6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
201 lb (91 kg; 14 st 5 lb)
Born:
25 April 1952
Orudyevo, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
Position:
Goaltender
College:
NA
Vladislav Tretiak is regarded as one of the greatest goaltenders in hockey history. Born April 25, 1952, in Moscow, Russia, he dominated international play for over a decade. Known for his lightning reflexes, calm demeanor, and innovative style, Tretiak became the backbone of his national team, winning multiple gold medals in world championships and Olympic Games. His consistent excellence and unmatched preparation set new standards for the position.
Though he never played in the NHL, his influence on the game reached North America, inspiring generations of goalies and shaping modern goaltending techniques. Tretiak’s legacy remains as a global ambassador for hockey, blending skill, discipline, and leadership. His induction into the Hall of Fame honored not just his achievements on the ice, but his lasting impact on the sport worldwide.
Tretiak's Awards and Records
- Three Olympic gold medals
- Ten World Championship gold medals
- Numerous international MVP awards
- Widely regarded as the best international goaltender of all time
- First All-Star in the Soviet League consecutively each year from 1971 until 1984
- First player born and trained outside North America to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame
Career Teams:
CSKA Moscow (1968–1984)
National team:
Soviet Union (1968–1984)
NHL draft:
138th overall, 1983
Montreal Canadiens
Number Worn:
20
Career Stats
Games Played(League):
482
Goals Against Average:
2.31
Shutouts:
98
Games Played(Int.):
98
Goals Against Average:
1.92
Shutouts:
2
Wayne Gretzky
Inducted:
1999
Player Stats
Stats:
6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb)
Born:
January 26, 1961
Brantford, Ontario, Canada
Position:
Centre
College:
NA
Wayne Gretzky isn’t just the greatest hockey player of all time — he’s one of the most dominant athletes in any sport. Nicknamed “The Great One,” Gretzky rewrote the NHL record book with unmatched vision, playmaking, and scoring ability. He’s the only player to record over 200 points in a season — and he did it four times.
Over a 20-year career with the Oilers, Kings, Blues, and Rangers, Gretzky amassed an NHL-record 2,857 points, including 894 goals and 1,963 assists — both records that still stand. He won four Stanley Cups with Edmonton and earned nine Hart Trophies as league MVP. Known for anticipating the game several steps ahead, Gretzky’s style revolutionized hockey.
He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame immediately after retirement in 1999 — the standard five-year waiting period was waived.
Gretzky's Awards and Records
- 4× Stanley Cup Champion – Edmonton Oilers (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988)
- 9× Hart Trophy (MVP) – most in NHL history
- 10× Art Ross Trophy – league’s leading scorer
- 18× NHL All-Star
- 2× Conn Smythe Trophy winner – playoff MVP
NHL Records
- Most goals in NHL history: 894
- Most assists in NHL history: 1,963
- Most points in NHL history: 2,857
- Most 200+ point seasons: 4
- Longest point streak in NHL history: 51 games (1983–84)
NHL Teams
Edmonton Oilers (1979-88)
Los Angeles Kings (1988-96)
St. Louis Blues (1995-96)
New York Rangers (1996-99)
Woody Dumart
Inducted:
1992
Player Stats
6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
190 lb (86 kg; 13 st 8 lb)
Born:
December 23, 1916
Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
Died:
October 19, 2001
Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Position:
Left wing
College:
Kitchener Greenshirts
Woody Dumart was a key figure in the Boston Bruins' success during the 1930s and 1940s. As a member of the famed “Kraut Line” alongside Milt Schmidt and Bobby Bauer, Dumart combined skill, grit, and hockey intelligence. He played his entire 16-season NHL career with the Bruins, becoming one of the league’s most dependable left wings.
Known for his smooth skating and accurate shot, Dumart was a two-time Stanley Cup champion and a consistent offensive contributor. He served in World War II and returned to the NHL without missing a beat. His loyalty to the Bruins and steady play earned him All-Star honors and admiration across the league.
Dumart retired with over 200 goals and a reputation as a team-first player who delivered in big moments. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1992.
Dumart's Awards and Records
- 2× Stanley Cup Champion (1939, 1941)
- 2× NHL Second All-Star Team (1939, 1947)
- Allan Cup 1942
- Played in NHL All-Star Game (1947, 1948)
- Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame (1992)
- Boston Bruins Hall of Fame inductee
NHL Records
- Member of the “Kraut Line,” one of the most dominant lines in NHL history
- One of the Top 100 Best Bruins Players of all Time.
- One of the NHL’s First Dominant Left Wings in the pre-Original Six era
- First NHL line (Kraut Line) to finish 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in league scoring
- One of the longest-serving Bruins players of his era – 16 seasons
- Played in both of the NHL’s first two official All-Star Games
NHL Teams:
Boston Bruins (1935-1954)
Number Worn:
14
NHL Stats
Season Played:
16 (1935-1954)
Games Played:
772
Goals:
211
Assists:
218
Points:
429
Penalty Minutes:
99
Playoff Points:
27 (G-12,A-15)
Yvan Cournoyer
Inducted:
1982
Player Stats
5 ft 7 in (170 cm)
172 lb (78 kg; 12 st 4 lb)
Born:
November 22, 1943
Drummondville, Quebec, Canada
Position:
Right Wing
College:
Montreal Junior Canadiens
Yvan Cournoyer, nicknamed “The Roadrunner,” was one of hockey's most electrifying wingers, dazzling fans with his blazing speed and scoring touch. Standing just 5'7", he played his entire 16-season NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens, winning an astonishing ten Stanley Cups. A relentless offensive threat, he notched over 25 goals in 11 straight seasons and hit the 40-goal mark four times.
His greatest moment came in the 1973 playoffs, when he led all players with 15 goals and earned the Conn Smythe Trophy. Later, as team captain from 1975 to 1979, he guided the Canadiens to four more championships. After retiring, he remained a beloved ambassador for the club.
Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1982, Cournoyer is remembered as a courageous leader whose speed, clutch scoring, and unwavering dedication defined an era of Canadiens dominance.
Cournoyer's Awards and Records
- Ten-time Stanley Cup Champion
- Conn Smythe Trophy (Playoff MVP, 1973)
- Team Captain (1975–1979): Led Canadiens to four straight Cups
- Six-time NHL All-Star
NHL Records
- Scored at least 25 goals for 11 consecutive seasons
- Notched 40+ goals four times in career
- Led all players in 1973 playoff goals and points
- Became a beloved symbol of leadership, speed, and clutch performance
NHL Teams:
Montreal Canadiens (1963-1979)
Number Worn:
12
NHL Stats
NHL Seasons:
16 (1963–1978)
Regular Season Games:
968
Goals:
428
Assists:
435
Points:
863
Playoff Goals:
64
Playoff Assists:
63
Playoff Points:
127
Zdeno Chara
Inducted:
2025
Player Stats
6 ft 9 in (206 cm)
256 lb (116 kg; 18 st 4 lb)
Born:
18 March 1977
Trenčín, Czechoslovakia
Position:
Defence
College:
NA
Zdeno Chára was a monumental force on the blue line for over two decades, standing as the tallest player in NHL history at 6-foot-9. His intimidating physical presence, combined with a blistering slap shot and exceptional durability, made him one of the league's premier defensemen. Chára was the captain of the Boston Bruins for 14 seasons, leading them to a Stanley Cup championship in 2011, becoming the second European-born captain to hoist the trophy.
He won the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2009 as the NHL's best defenseman, cementing his place as a generational defender who excelled in both shutdown defense and offensive contribution. His career longevity is marked by his status as the defenseman with the most games played in NHL history. He was formally elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2025.
Chára's Awards and Records
- 1x Stanley Cup Champion (2011)
- 1x James Norris Memorial Trophy (Best Defenseman) (2009)
- 1x Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award (2011)
- 3x NHL First All-Star Team (2004, 2009, 2014)
- 4x NHL Second All-Star Team (2006, 2008, 2011, 2012)
- 6x NHL All-Star Game selection
Notable Achievements
- All-Time NHL Record for Most Games Played by a Defenseman (1,680)
- Tallest Player in NHL History (6'9" or 206 cm)
- Holds the NHL record for Most Game 7 Playoff Appearances in a career (14)
- Oldest defenseman in NHL history to score a goal in the Stanley Cup Final
NHL Teams
New York Islanders (1997-2001)
Ottawa Senators (2001-2004)
Boston Bruins (2006-2020,2021-2022))
Washington Capitals (2020-2021)
National Team:
Slovakia (1999-2014)
NHL Draft:
56th overall, 1996
New York Islanders
Number Worn:
3, 53, 33
Career Stats
Season Played:
24 (1997-2021)
Games Played:
1,680
Goals:
209
Assists:
471
Points:
680
Plus/Minus:
+301
Penalties in Minutes:
2,085
Playoff Game:
200
Playoff Points:
70
Stanley Cups:
1 (2011)
NHL Hall of Fame
The NHL Hall of Fame is a prestigious institution that honors hockey's greatest contributors. Each year, the induction ceremony celebrates legendary players and their historic contributions to the game. The Hall of Fame class includes hockey legends who have achieved remarkable career achievements and created iconic moments on and off the ice.
Inductees are recognized for their significant player contributions, earning various awards and honors, and their influence on the sport. The Hall also commemorates retired jerseys and acknowledges the impact on the game by highlighting famous inductees and their legacies. As a symbol of excellence, the NHL Hall of Fame continues to celebrate the sport's rich history and inspire future generations of hockey players.