HHOF News

HOCKEY HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES ITS SUCCESSOR AS PRESIDENT AND CEO

TORONTO (March 25, 2025) — Lanny McDonald, Chair of the Board of the Hockey Hall of Fame, announced today that Jamie Dinsmore will succeed long-time executive Jeff Denomme as the next President and CEO for the organization by appointment confirmed with full support of the Board at its meeting held earlier today. Succession plans were announced last summer in anticipation of Denomme's planned retirement in June, 2025.

The formal search was launched on November 1, 2024 under the leadership of Stewart Johnston, Vice-Chair of the Board and Chair of the 5-person Search Committee. Conducted in partnership with Preston Human Capital (PHC), the search process attracted close to 1,000 applications from candidates across Canada and the United States.

“This was the most extensive search PHC has conducted over its 20+ year history, and we had the pleasure to interview an exceptional and diverse group of candidates,” said McDonald. Added Johnston, “Jamie Dinsmore stood out as a people-first leader whose experience ranges from large organizations including Microsoft and Siemens, to launching a start-up. His management and sales expertise complement well the skills of the Hockey Hall of Fame team, and his passion for hockey as a former varsity player is perhaps only exceeded by his obvious dedication to his family and community.”

“As someone who has spent countless hours in hockey rinks across North America — as a player, coach, spectator, and passionate fan — I am deeply honoured to step into the role of President and CEO of the Hockey Hall of Fame,” said Dinsmore.

The transition of leadership will begin in early May with Dinsmore assuming the role of President and CEO as of July 1, 2025, coinciding with the appointment of Mike Gartner to succeed McDonald as Chair of the Board.

Read full press release here.

PANTHERS DONATE 2024 STANLEY CUP RING

TORONTO (March 12, 2025) — Aleksander Barkov, Sam Reinhart, Matthew Tkachuk, Barry Zito and Paul Maurice from the 2024 Stanley Cup winning Florida Panthers roster joined Hockey Hall of Fame curator Phil Pritchard for the official donation of a Stanley Cup ring.

The ring, which joins a distinguished collection at the Hockey Hall of Fame, is a symbol of the first Stanley Cup Championship in the franchise's 30-year history.

The Championship ring, donated by the Panthers organization, will eventually be displayed in Lord Stanley's Vault alongside the first-ever Stanley Cup ring (1893) Billy Barlow (MAAA); Bill Hay's 1961 ring (CHI); Daryl "Doc" Seaman’s 1989 ring (CGY) and Bob Johnson's 1991 ring (PIT). Other rings in the display include the 2007 (ANA), 2008 (DET), 2009 (PIT), 2010 (CHI), 2011 (BOS), 2012 (LA), 2013 (CHI) and 2014 (LA), 2015 (CHI), 2016 (PIT), 2017 (PIT), 2018 (WASH), 2019 (STL), 2020 (TAMPA), 2021 (TAMPA), 2022 (COL), 2023 (LV) Stanley Cup Champions, which were all donated by the owners of the teams.

Read full media advisory here.

4 NATIONS CUP ENGRAVED WITH CHAMPIONS PLAQUE REVEALED FOR FIRST TIME

4 Nations Face-Off Exhibit to open and kick-off March Break at Hockey Hall of Fame

TORONTO (March 4, 2025) – Hockey Hall of Fame to open an exhibit showcasing artifacts from the incredible 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament, including items from Canada's overtime win. The collection includes game worn equipment with each Country represented — Canada, Finland, Sweden and United States. At the centre of the display is the newly engraved 4 Nations Cup. The impressive looking trophy stands at 29 inches tall and 11 inches wide and is slightly smaller than the Stanley Cup.

Artifacts featured in the exhibit include:

• Sam Reinhart’s Team Canada Jersey
• Aleksander Barkov’s Team Finland Jersey
• Victor Hedman’s Team Sweden Jersey
• Jack Hughes Team USA Jersey
• Brady Tkachuk’s Helmet (USA)
• Matthew Tkachuk’s Gloves (USA)
• Drew Doughty’s Pant Shell (Canada)

Click here to view CTV's coverage of this story at the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Click here to take a behind-the-scenes look of the building of the new exhibit.

HOCKEY HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES NEW APPOINTMENTS TO THE SELECTION COMMITTEE

TORONTO (November 12, 2024) – Lanny McDonald, Chair of the Board of the Hockey Hall of Fame, announced today new appointments to the Hockey Hall of Fame Selection Committee as confirmed at the Directors’ meeting held yesterday in Toronto.

Jarome Iginla and Eddie Olczyk will join the Selection Committee commencing with the 2025 nomination and election proceedings (replacing David Branch and Mike Gartner, each having served their full-term limit of 15 years). McDonald also announced that Ron Francis will become Chair of the Selection Committee, taking over from Gartner who will transition to Chair of the Board in June 2025. 

“One of the things that makes the Selection Committee so strong is the regular inclusion of new voices and the opportunity for highly knowledgeable hockey people to contribute in the process of honouring excellence in our game,” said McDonald. “To this end, we are very pleased to welcome Jarome and Eddie to the committee, and thrilled that Ron, a long-time member and one of hockey’s great leaders, has agreed to serve as Chair.  I would also like to express our appreciation and gratitude to David and Mike for their outstanding contributions over the past several years.”

HOCKEY HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES EXECUTIVE SEARCH FOR THE NEXT PRESIDENT AND CEO

TORONTO (November 1, 2024) – Lanny McDonald, Chair of the Board of the Hockey Hall of Fame (HHOF), announced today that the search is underway for the successor of the longtime President and CEO, Jeff Denomme, who will retire from his position at the end of June 2025 after 39 years with the organization (see prior release).

“We are pleased to announce Preston Human Capital Group will conduct this high-profile search following an extensive competitive process to select the executive recruitment firm to conduct this effort,” said McDonald. “Preston Human Capital Group has demonstrated a keen insight into the requirements of the Hockey Hall of Fame, a passionate and personal approach to the needs of the search, and the experience and expertise to lead this process.”

“We are proud to partner with the Hockey Hall of Fame, an iconic institution representing the best of hockey and its legacy here in Canada and around the world,” said Cathy Preston, President and CEO of Preston Human Capital Group, who is leading the search.

The Position Profile can be found here. Interested candidates are asked to please follow the application instructions outlined on the profile. The search closes on December 31, 2024, at 5pm EST.

HOCKEY HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES UPCOMING CHAIR OF THE BOARD SUCCESSION APPOINTMENT

TORONTO (September 9, 2024) – Lanny McDonald, Chair of the Board of the Hockey Hall of Fame, announced today that Mike Gartner will be appointed to succeed McDonald at the end of his 10-year term limit in June 2025. Effective October 1, 2024, Gartner will assume the role of Chair-elect to support transitional matters and serve on the search committee for the recruitment of a new President and CEO.

Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2001, Gartner played 19 seasons in the NHL accumulating 708 goals, 627 assists and 1,335 points, and in 2017 he was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in the League's 100-year history. He served as President of the NHLPA from 1996 until his playing career retirement in 1998. Later, as Director, Business Relations, he represented the NHLPA on the Hockey Hall of Fame Board of Directors, from 2006 to 2009. In 2009, he was appointed to the Selection Committee and has served as its Chair for the past three years.

Read full press release here.

FLORIDA PANTHERS STANLEY CUP CHAMPION DISPLAY UNVEILED!

Featured in the Hyundai NHL Zone is an extensive display dedicated to the 2024 Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers. This display highlights game-worn artifacts and memorabilia from the Stanley Cup Final showcasing the franchise’s first championship.

Artifacts include:

• Aleksander Barkov's navy gloves worn in Game 7
• Sam Bennett's stick used in Game 7
• Sergei Bobrovsky's Stanley Cup Final games 1,2,5 & 7 worn jersey
• Sergei Bobrovsky's glove & blocker worn all 7 Stanley Cup Final games
• Aaron Ekblad's Stanley Cup Final game 3, 4 & 6 worn jersey
• Anton Lundell's skates worn during all 7 Stanley Cup Final games
• Sam Reinhart's helmet worn in Game 7
• Matthew Tkachuk's gloves worn in Game 7 and mouthguard used during all 7 Stanley Cup Final games
• Stanley Final Game 7 memorabilia including rally towel and plastic rats
• Champagne bottle from the dressing room celebration

Click here to take a behind-the-scenes look of the building of this display.
Click here to follow the summer travels of the Stanley Cup.

THE WALTER CUP MAKES THE HOCKEY HALL OF FAME ITS NEW HOME

The Walter Cup officially added to the Hockey Hall of Fame’s trophy collection

TORONTO (June 28, 2024) – The Professional Women’s Hockey League’s (PWHL) championship trophy, the Walter Cup, is officially on display at the Hockey Hall of Fame. It will be showcased within the "Women's Hockey — Celebrating Excellence" display along with newly received artifacts from the PWHL’s inaugural season. The Walter Cup, created in partnership with global luxury jeweler, Tiffany & Co., weighs 35 pounds, stands 24 inches tall and is over 13 inches wide. The removable base will include the engraved names of each year’s winning team. The Walter Cup is named in recognition of the historic commitment made by the Walter family — Mark and Kimbra Walter and their daughter, Samantha, that provided the financial support that launched the PWHL.

Recently donated PWHL items to be added soon include:

• “Battle of Bay Street” goal pucks – Montreal at Toronto – Feb 17, 2024
(record - 19,825 fans set highest attendance mark for a women’s hockey game)
• Liz Schepers, #21 Minnesota, Walter Cup Game 5 winning goal stick
• Nicole Hensley, #29 Minnesota, Walter Cup Game 5 shutout stick
• Walter Cup, Game 5 goal pucks – Minnesota shutout Boston 3 – 0
• Hilary Knight, Captain, #21 Boston, Walter Cup playoff sweater
• Aerin Frankel, #1 Boston, goalie mask
• Jamie Lee Rattray, Alternate Captain, #47 Boston, skates

Read the full media advisory here.

Learn more about the Hockey Hall of Fame’s “Women’s Hockey – Celebrating Excellence” exhibit.

*Notice: The Walter Cup is temporarily off display as it is currently travelling for PWHL events.

HOCKEY HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES UPCOMING SEARCH FOR THE NEXT PRESIDENT AND CEO

TORONTO (June 26, 2024) – Lanny McDonald, Chair of the Board of the Hockey Hall of Fame, announced today that long-time executive, Jeff Denomme, will retire from the office of President and CEO following the next annual general meeting in the spring 2025. Succession plans were tabled at the Board of Directors meeting held on Monday with further information regarding the recruitment process to be announced this fall.

Denomme started with the Hockey Hall of Fame as an intern in 1986. He later served as Vice- President, Finance and Operations while playing an instrumental role in the design, construction and operational planning for the Hall’s relocation and expansion from the Canadian National Exhibition grounds to BCE Place (now Brookfield Place), Toronto, in June 1993. Promoted to President, Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer in 1998, and after spearheading three further expansions, Denomme’s path led to his current appointment as President and CEO since August 2013.

Read full press release here.

NEW ESSO MEDALS EXHIBIT

Since 1981, Esso has been a proud supporter of minor hockey in communities across Canada. With over 2 million Esso Medals and 10 million Certificates of Achievement awarded, the Esso Medals program inspires and recognizes minor hockey players, coaches and volunteers.

Located at the entrance to the Esso Great Hall (showcase at bottom of stairs), the recently unveiled Esso Medals Exhibit celebrates registered Esso Medal winners become a part of hockey history within an interactive display.

Have you won an Esso Medal? Register now to be immortalized within Hockey Hall of Fame’s Esso Medals Exhibit.

Click here to view where Esso Medal winners can see their name in the Hall.

THE LARRY AND JUDY TANENBAUM FAMILY LEGENDS OF HOCKEY SCHOLARS FUND

Inspiring Indigenous youth to excel in academics and succeed through unique Hockey Hall of Fame outreach programs.

In 2018, the Hockey Hall of Fame introduced the newly established Hockey Hall of Fame Development and Preservation Fund together with its first “designated endowment” program, namely The Larry and Judy Tanenbaum Family Legends of Hockey Scholars Fund supported through an endowment gift of $1 million from the Tanenbaum's family foundation.

In activating the Legends of Hockey Scholars initiative, the Hockey Hall of Fame partnered with Connected North to deliver a series of virtual field trip sessions to provide Indigenous schools in remote communities with access to hockey–related content that is engaging and empowering. The curriculums include video tours of specific Hall of Fame exhibits, interactive class activities, as well as artifacts, historical footage and photographs from the Hall of Fame's extensive archives.

As stewards of the Legends of Hockey Scholars Fund, each year the Hockey Hall of Fame selects students from Indigenous schools who have not only demonstrated exceptional dedication towards academics and their community, but also shown a passion for hockey. In addition to receiving financial contribution towards future education, a listing of each scholarship recipient is displayed within the Changing Face of Hockey: Diversity in the Game exhibit at the Hockey Hall of Fame.