SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Former University of North Dakota hockey standout Zach Parise officially took his place among American hockey royalty, as he was inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame on Wednesday night in front of a packed house at the RiverCentre in Saint Paul, Minn.
The event, hosted by ESPN's Steve Levy, included the formal induction of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2025 -- Bruce Bennett, Scott Gomez, Tara Mounsey, Parise and Joe Pavelski. In addition, Ray Shero was honored posthumously with the NHL's Lester Patrick Trophy.
"I loved going to North Dakota," said Parise during his induction. "What a great place that was to go and play hockey. What a great steppingstone to prepare me to play at the next level of hockey. Sometimes I wish I would've played there a little longer because I had such a good time."
Parise shined at every level he played, beginning with North Dakota from 2002-04. While as a member of the Fighting Sioux, Parise scored 49 goals and added 67 assists for 116 points in just 76 games. He was a Hobey Baker Award finalist in each of his two years with the program, was an All-American selection in 2003-04 and helped UND reach two NCAA Tournaments.
The Faribault, Minn., native spent 19 seasons in the NHL with four teams after being selected 17th overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2003 NHL Draft. Over his incredible professional career, Parise played in 1,254 NHL regular season games and recorded 889 points – the most points ever by a UND player in the NHL at the time of his retirement and reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2012 with the Devils.
On the international stage, Parise as a member of the silver medal-winning 2010 Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team, served as captain of Team USA at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games and also represented the U.S. in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
In addition, Parise played in three IIHF Men's World Championships (2005-07); both the 2003 and 2004 IIHF World Junior Championships, leading the U.S. to its first-ever gold medal in the event in 2004; and the 2002 IIHF Under-18 Men's World Championship, where he also helped Team USA to a gold-medal finish.
UND in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame
Zach Parise – 2025
Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson – 2022
Monique Lamoureux-Morando - 2022
Dean Blais – 2020
Dave Christian – 2001
Mike Curran – 1998
Cal Marvin – 1982
Cliff "Fido" Purpur - 1974
For more information on North Dakota hockey, follow on social media @UNDmhockey or visit FightingHawks.com.
