During the mid-90s, few goaltenders approached the level of success that Mike Richter did. After a few years of struggles, Richter took over the net in New York and embarked on a magical three year period. In the 1993-94 season, he posted 42 wins (and 16 more in the playoffs) and backstopped the Rangers to their first Stanley Cup in forty-five years. Richter’s finest performance may have occurred two years later outside of the NHL when he stood on his head and stopped the Canadian juggernaut in leading the Americans to a World Cup of Hockey victory in 1996, where he was subsequently named the tournament MVP.

A star for the Chicago Blackhawks and the United States National Team, Tony Amonte enjoyed a solid career. His career zenith was as a Blackhawk, where the consistent American Right Winger enjoyed a five-year stretch without missing a game and was among the best players in the Windy City. A five-time All-Star, Amonte was one of the better American-born hockey players of All Time, but without that magical 1,000 points NHL plateau or a dominant season, he may have to settle for the American Hall of Fame instead.

Honestly, it is difficult to make a Hall of Fame case for Brian Rolston, but we do tip our caps to one of the most versatile players in hockey history. Rolston was comfortable at any forward position and often quarterbacked the power play, a role usually given to defensemen. Rolston does have a Stanley Cup Ring and an All-Star appearance under his belt, so though enshrinement may be out of his grasp, his career has undoubtedly been a rewarding one.

One of the slickest playmakers ever to come out of the United States, Doug Weight reached the magical 1,000 career point mark predominantly with assists. Weight was a consistent offensive threat throughout his career and once reached a 100-point season with the Oilers. He achieved the ultimate in team sports, capturing the Stanley Cup with the Hurricanes in 2006 and was awarded the King Clancy Award, which is given to the man who exemplifies leadership and humanitarian activities. A good man on the ice and off, Doug Weight may not make the Hall of Fame in Toronto, but we would not be surprised to see him make the version in the United States.

Although Brian Rafalski did not enter the National Hockey League until he was 26, he still managed to achieve a 500-point career, which is a very respectable total for a defenseman. He spent most of his career with the New Jersey Devils, where his powerful shot and defensive skills were an excellent fit for their style of play. After netting two Stanley Cup Rings, he went to Detroit and landed his third ring. Rafalski likely won’t end up in the Hall of Fame in Toronto, but he earned his place in the United States Hockey Hall of Fame for his overall work in the sport.