The Illinois Hockey Hall of Fame

The Illinois Hockey Hall of Fame was established to honour the contributions of individuals who, through their dedication and tireless efforts, helped build Our Game here in Illinois and pave the way for future generations to enjoy the sport of ice hockey.

Illinois hockey has a very long and rich hockey history, due in large part to the programs and foundations laid down by the Honoured Members of the Illinois Hockey Hall of Fame.

The Honoured Members have demonstrated, through their actions, leadership and tremendous sacrifice, their Love of Our Game. Their personal commitment in making a difference in the lives of thousands of young hockey players, and the Illinois hockey community, are clear examples of what one individual can accomplish for the benefit of so many.

The Hall of Fame is divided into three categories. The Builders, The Players and The Officials sections currently have ninety-two members. There are 49 Honoured Builders. There are 18 Honoured Players and there are 25 Honoured Officials.

The Illinois Hockey Officials Association began this program in 2002. Past IHOA President Bill Green had observed the Wisconsin Hockey Hall of Fame on a trip with AHAI members and decided to go ahead with a program for our officials. AHAI began the Illinois Hall of Fame in 2005 and both were combined starting in 2008.

USA Hockey Representatives, Norm Spiegel and Jim Smith are the coordinators of this yearly event. They confer with all of the past Presidents of AHAI and other individuals to review the applications and suggestions for entry into the Illinois Hockey Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame Induction event has been held in the weeks after Christmas. From now on you may make your plans for the weekend before the Super Bowl, which is usually at the very end of January of the first week in February. The Illinois Hall of Fame Dinner and Inductions have been held for the past five years at the Belvedere Banquet Hall located on 1170 West Devon Avenue in Elk Grove Village.

Click HERE to read additional information and read the names of all 92 Honoured Members

On 31 January 2010, two longtime IHOA leaders were inducted into the Illinois Hall of Fame. USA Hockey National Referee-in-Chief, David La Buda, was honored for his four decades of service to Illinois and our nation. Former IHOA President Tom Hughes was honored for his leadership and support of development programs.

The Illinois Hall of Fame event this year drew over 350 people for the first time. It was reportedly an outstanding evening filled with laughs and tears as many memories were shared.

In the weeks ahead, profiles of all 25 IHOA Officials who are Honoured Members will appear in this section