Mike Modano To Enter U.S. Hockey Hall Of Fame

On Wednesday afternoon former Dallas Stars great Mike Modano was named a new member of the U.S. Hockey Hall Of Fame along with Ed Olczyk and General Manager and CEO of the New Jersey Devils, Lou Lamoriello.

Modano joins many other former Dallas Stars in the US HHOF, including Brett Hull, Neal Broten, Derian Hatcher, and Kevin Hatcher. See a list of all enshrinees here. Information on the official ceremony is still forthcoming.

In addition to leading the Dallas Stars franchise in nearly every single significnat offensive stat, winning a Stanley Cup in 1999 and being an eight time All-Star, Modano also holds NHL records in Goals by a player born in the United States (561), points by an American-born player (1374), playoff points by an American-born player (145), and games played by an American-born forward (1499).

It's a fine honor for what many consider to be the finest American to ever play the game, but it is also but an appetizer to the main event - The Hockey Hall Of Fame proper.

The eligibility requirements for the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto stipulate that (most) players must be retired a minimum of three seasons before consideration. Modano's name should come up heavily in those discussions starting in the summer of 2014, where it's expected he'll join Hull, Nieuwendyk and Ed Belfour in his rightful place with hockey's all-time greats.

That one could, of course, be considered a little more signficant because unlike the US HHOF, Mike Milbury is not also a member.

Congratulations to Mike on his newest honor. Let us hope he is named to something else soon as well - Part of the Dallas Stars organization once again.