Modano Voted Into USA Hockey Hall of Fame

USA Hockey announced today that former Dallas Stars center Mike Modano will be enshrined into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2012. Modano will be part of a three-man class alongside longtime New Jersey Devils’ President and GM Lou Lamoriello and former player and current TV analyst Eddie Olczyk.

“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.”

The class will be formally be inducted this fall with a date and location to be announced in the near future. Last year’s induction was held in Chicago, which was a big hit considering former Blackhawks Chris Chelios and Gary Suter were part of the class. Don’t be surprised if this year’s induction comes to Dallas because of Modano.

“I’d like to thank the USA Hockey family,” said Modano. “I’d also like to congratulate Lou Lamoriello and Eddie Olczyk. I am honored to be going in with them. It’s been a privilege and honor to be part of USA Hockey for many years.”

Mike Modano is synonymous with Dallas, as he is one of the top ten greatest pro athletes in North Texas history.

“For me, the growth of hockey in Texas has been remarkable since we moved here in 1993,” said Modano. “I think it’s one of the things I am most proud of — helping grow hockey in Dallas and the state of Texas. The fans here are great and I have to thank them for all of the support over the years. I love Dallas; it’s home for me.”

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. He 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. Additionally, Modano holds Dallas Stars franchise records for most games played (1,459), goals (557), assists (802) and points (1,359).

“Nothing can compare to the team accomplishments – the 1996 World Cup will always be special and, of course, winning the Stanley Cup in 1999,” said Modano. “The franchise records mean a lot to me as well, and the American-born records are right up there. There was nothing greater than wearing the USA on your sweater in international competition. Playing in three Olympic Games will always be special memories for me.”

Drafted first overall by the Minnesota North Stars in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft, Modano went on to win the 1999 Stanley Cup with the Dallas Stars. 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 11 times in international competition across three decades, including the 1998, 2002 and 2006 Olympic Winter Games.

Like any success story, Modano had help along the way. It all started with loving parents.

“My mom and dad are still my biggest role models and I wouldn’t be here without the sacrifices they made,” said Modano. “I’d also like to thank all of my coaches over the years. They made a huge impact.”