BOSTON – The city of Boston is no stranger to champions.
Scale the historical archives for the Boston Bruins, Celtics, Red Sox, and the New England Patriots and Boston has the kind of championship success at the professional level that many other cities and states would love to have. Meanwhile, Boston College, Harvard and Boston University have a storied history at the collegiate level and are once again in the national title mix this season.
On Wednesday, though, Boston will take a break from celebrating its own success to instead help honor the five members of the 2023 U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Class. Dustin Brown, Brian Burke, Katie King Crowley, Jamie Langenbrunner and Brian Murphy will officially be enshrined into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame during an induction ceremony at the Westin Copley Place in downtown Boston, while also honoring Joe Bertagna, the 2023 Lester Patrick Award recipient.
The evening will celebrate a prestigious group of men and women who have had success at all levels of hockey, highlighted by Stanley Cup titles and gold medals at the international level, and their efforts to continue to impact the game on and off the ice.
Here is a look at the iconic group and learn more about them ahead of Wednesday night’s ceremony.
A two-time Stanley Cup champion and two-time Olympian, Dustin Brown had a remarkable career that included 19 seasons playing in the National Hockey League.
"This is not the dream we have, but it is a result of us chasing our dreams and following those dreams to the very best of our abilities. It was a bit of a shock to me, but it comes back to us all following our dreams. We are all shocked, but this is in incredible honor." - Dustin Brown
An accomplished executive whose career has been highlighted by winning a Stanley Cup and Olympic silver medal, Brian Burke’s passion and contributions to the betterment of the game of hockey have touched every level of the sport.
"No one goes to get up in the morning and goes to school and thinks, 'Maybe someday I will be in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame.' That is just not on the spectrum of dreams. You dream about playing for your high school or playing for your college team or maybe someday playing in the NHL. But you never dream of being in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. It is something no one should take for granted. I am flattered and honored." - Brian Burke
A three-time Olympic medalist, Katie King Crowley was one of the most dynamic scorers in the world during her nine-year playing career with the U.S. Women’s National Team.
"It is an honor for me to be in this group. I would have never expected this in the world. We all had a group behind us that helped us be as successful as we were. Family, coaches that we’ve had and teammates that made me better everyday. I am still really close with all my teammates, especially from the Olympic teams and college, and it is really a truly special honor for me. I really credit a lot of those three groups of people who helped me through my career and continue to help me now." - Katie King Crowley
A two-time Stanley Cup champion and two-time Olympian, Jamie Langenbrunner had a decorated playing career that included 16 full seasons in the National Hockey League.
"This wasn’t a call I expected to get. I was actually in free agency meetings with my current job, and I was definitely surprised. I have been blessed to play with some really great teams and really great teammates, and I owe a lot to a lot of people. Growing up in northern Minnesota, the small-town hockey, and the volunteer coaches, the volunteer rink people, concessions – so many people gave so much of their time to give me that opportunity." - Jamie Langenbrunner
Brian Murphy not only had one of the most accomplished on-ice officiating careers in the history of the NHL, but continues today to dedicate his time to helping teach and mentor the next generation of officials.
"I am grateful today. It is something that you don’t get up every day thinking about anything like this. You get up every day and work hard. It is unbelievable to think people recognize all of that hard work and it is just an honor to be here." - Brian Murphy
Bertagna, 71, has devoted a lifelong career to the game of hockey, including 40 years as a college hockey administrator and 50 years as a goaltending coach.
"Ever since the news broke (Oct. 12) about me getting the award, it's amazing the number of people who have reached out. Many of whom I might have expected, but a lot that I did not expect to hear ... high school, college, whatever. It's been really gratifying and that's as special as the trophy itself." - Joe Bertagna