By Explore New Jersey Staff | September 2025
Two of the most beloved figures in New Jersey Devils history are taking their rightful place among hockey’s elite. Scott Gomez and Zach Parise, both former Devils forwards and fan favorites, have been named to the 2025 class of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame, cementing their legacy in American hockey history.
This recognition celebrates not just their remarkable NHL careers, but also their lasting impact on the Devils franchise and the Garden State’s passionate hockey community.
🏒 From Rookie Stardom to Championship Glory: Scott Gomez’s Journey
When Scott Gomez hit the ice for the Devils in 1999, fans knew they were witnessing something special. The Anchorage, Alaska native was selected 27th overall in the 1998 NHL Draft and made an immediate splash. In his rookie season, Gomez scored 70 points (19 goals, 51 assists) in 82 games, earning the Calder Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year in 2000.
More importantly, Gomez’s rookie campaign played a crucial role in the Devils’ Stanley Cup championship that same season, where he added another 10 points in the playoffs. He was also part of the franchise’s 2003 Cup win, making him a two-time Stanley Cup champion with New Jersey.
Over eight seasons in New Jersey (1999–2007, 2014–15), Gomez tallied:
- 123 goals
- 361 assists
- 484 points in 606 regular-season games
- 21 goals and 44 points in 97 postseason contests
Gomez’s vision, passing ability, and playoff poise made him one of the most creative and dependable players of his era.
“I was fortunate to play for the Devils,” Gomez reflected. “Coming into that locker room, I learned from the best. The leadership on those teams was unmatched.”
Gomez wrapped up a 17-year NHL career with 756 points in 1,079 games, including stints with the Rangers, Canadiens, Sharks, Panthers, Blues, and Senators. He also represented Team USA in four international tournaments, including the 2006 Winter Olympics.
🚨 Captain. Olympian. Playoff Hero. Zach Parise’s Devils Legacy
From the moment Zach Parise debuted for the Devils in 2005, his combination of grit, skill, and leadership set the tone. Selected 17th overall in the 2003 NHL Draft, Parise wore the red and black for seven unforgettable seasons, captaining the team to the 2012 Stanley Cup Final and becoming one of the most dynamic scorers in the league.
During his Devils tenure, Parise recorded:
- 194 goals
- 216 assists
- 410 points in 502 regular-season games
- 21 goals and 43 points in 61 playoff appearances
Parise was known for his relentless forecheck, clutch scoring, and unwavering leadership — traits that made him a natural choice for captain and a hero to fans across New Jersey.
He concluded his 19-year NHL career in 2024 with:
- 434 goals
- 455 assists
- 889 points in 1,254 games
- Teams: Devils, Wild, Islanders, Avalanche
Internationally, Parise wore the Team USA jersey with pride, playing in nine tournaments, including the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics. He famously tied the gold medal game against Canada in 2010 with a last-minute goal to force overtime — a defining moment in U.S. hockey history.
📸 Also Honored: Legendary Hockey Photographer Bruce Bennett
Joining Gomez and Parise in the 2025 induction class is Bruce Bennett, the iconic hockey photographer whose lens has captured over 50 years of NHL history. His images have immortalized countless Devils moments — from championship celebrations to heated rivalries — and helped tell the story of the sport for generations.
🏆 A Proud Moment for New Jersey Hockey
The Hall of Fame announcement is more than a personal accolade for Gomez and Parise — it’s a moment of pride for New Jersey Devils fans who cheered them on through every goal, every shift, and every playoff battle. Their stories are woven into the fabric of Devils history, and now, they take their place among the game’s greats.
Want more on Devils legends, current stars, and the latest from the rink? Explore our dedicated New Jersey Devils section for team updates, player features, and in-depth coverage of New Jersey’s hockey scene.
🎉 Devils Nation, It’s Time to Celebrate
From the Stanley Cup victories to unforgettable playoff runs and international heroics, Scott Gomez and Zach Parise left it all on the ice — and now their achievements are etched in U.S. hockey history.
Congratulations to two Devils icons. Once a Devil, always a Devil.
