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Two more champion Penguins to join USA Hockey Hall of Fame

September 5, 2024, 5:03 PM ET [39 Comments]
Ryan Wilson
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USA Hockey will be inducting two more Penguins to their Hall of Fame. They are both multiple time Cup winners with the organization. This honor will be bestowed upon Kevin Stevens and Matt Cullen



Stevens and Cullen become the 16th and 17th player or builder with ties to the Penguins organization to be elected to the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. Both players currently hold roles in within the Penguins organization, as Stevens serves as a Special Assignment Scout and Cullen is a Player Development Coach.

Stevens spent parts of 10 seasons in Pittsburgh (1987-95, ‘01-02), recording 260 goals, 295 assists and 555 points in 522 career regular-season games with the Penguins. In Penguins history, Stevens ranks seventh in goals, 10th in assists and ninth in points.
In 225 regular-season games with the Penguins, Cullen recorded 36 goals, 47 assists and 83 points. He served as an alternate captain in parts of each of his three seasons with Pittsburgh, and his seven shorthanded goals during that span were more than any other Penguin.


The Penguins don’t win those four Cups without either player. Kevin Stevens was an absolute force to be reckoned with. He was the definition of a power forward in a time period when power forwards were flourishing. An absolutely perfect winger for the likes of Mario Lemieux. Arty showed up in big games and was a treat to watch.

Matt Cullen was a much needed departure from the lowly bottom six players the Penguins had been using. Cullen nailed his role on the fourth line by playing a complete brand of hockey with the necessary depth offense to propel the Penguins into a force line after line. His leadership and presence not only translated on the ice, but to his post career as a coach. It was so nice to watch a team where every line had players who could make plays and do smart things. The current Penguins could really use the 2015-16 version of Matt Cullen.

Making the induction extra special for these two players will be the location of the ceremony. It will be in Pittsburgh.

The U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2024 is the 52nd and the formal Induction Celebration will take place on December 4 in Pittsburgh. Additional details will be released by USA Hockey later this month.


Also joining Stevens and Cullen will be Brianna Decker, the 2002 Paralympic Sledge Hockey Team, and the late Frederic McLaughlin. Congratulations to all.

Thanks for reading!
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