Thursday, the Chicago Blackhawks announced the first wave of activations for their upcoming Centennial season, headlined by the creation of a Blackhawks Hall of Fame.
The team has named May 15th as their Founding Day, beginning their 100th year in the NHL, as Chicago was awarded a franchise on May 15th, 1926. This year, the Blackhawks will use the slogan: “Always and Original.”
“Since our inception, the Chicago Blackhawks have been more than just a hockey team – we’ve been an integral part of Chicago’s identity and a driving force in the evolution of the sport,” Chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz said in a press release.
“This Centennial celebration isn’t just about honoring our past achievements, but also about recommitting ourselves to innovation, community impact and excellence for the century ahead.”
Following the season opener, the Blackhawks will celebrate the centennial in four “chapters” that will include signature game nights, bobbleheads, and more.
Blackhawks Hall of Fame
The Blackhawks’ Hall of Fame will include a ballot-based voting process involving fans, media, and select Blackhawks staff.
Two members will be added to the Hall of Fame every year: one from the “Modern Era” and one from the “Heritage Era.”
Modern Era: Players who completed their Blackhawks career in the 2000-01 season or later. Players must be 3+ years retired from the National Hockey League to be eligible for this ballot.
Heritage Era: Players who completed their Blackhawks career in the 1999-2000 season or earlier.
| MODERN ERA BALLOT | HERITAGE ERA BALLOT |
| • Tony Amonte • Brian Campbell • Corey Crawford • Eric Daze • Niklas Hjalmarsson • Duncan Keith • Brent Seabrook • Patrick Sharp • Andrew Shaw • Steve Sullivan • Jocelyn Thibault • Alexei Zhamnov | • Ed Belfour • Doug Bentley • Johnny Gottselig • Dirk Graham • Dennis Hull • Cliff Koroll • Steve Larmer • Chico Maki • Mush March • Pit Martin • Bill Mosienko • Troy Murray • Eric Nesterenko • Jeremy Roenick • Doug Wilson |
Active players like Patrick Kane and players who have not officially retired like Jonathan Toews will not be on the ballot until they reach the three-year retired mark, though a number retirement would bypass that waiting period.
The Blackhawks may also opt to induct a Builder. This would include a broadcaster, a coach or a non-player member of the organization.
Blackhawks who already have their numbers retired are automatically inducted into the Blackhawks’ Hall of Fame.
Fans can cast their vote now at blackhawks.com/HOF. The ballot will remain open until mid-July.
More details of the Centennial celebration will drop once the NHL officially releases its schedule later this summer. Details for all things Centennial can be found at blackhawks.com/100.
