Scott Gomez had a standout career in the NHL, racking up 756 points from 181 goals and 575 assists over 1,079 games with teams like the New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers. Born in Anchorage, Alaska, to a Mexican-Colombian family, he was picked 27th overall by the Devils in the 1997 NHL Draft. Gomez has made a name for himself beyond the rink as he begins his first season as head coach of the Chicago Steel in the USHL. Notably, he won the Calder Trophy in 2000 and helped the Devils secure the Stanley Cup in 2000 and 2003, retiring after 16 years in 2016.
Zach Parise has also made an impressive mark in the NHL, playing in 1,254 regular-season games and 122 playoff matches with teams like the Minnesota Wild. Drafted by the Devils in 2003, he contributed greatly over seven seasons before returning to his roots in Minnesota. Parise reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 2012 with the Devils, ultimately losing to the Los Angeles Kings. His experience extends to international play, where he won gold in the 2002 IIHF Under-18 World Championship and a silver medal at the 2010 Olympics.
In women’s hockey, Angela Mounsey played a crucial role in the U.S. team’s gold medal win at the 1998 Nagano Olympics. Often hailed as the top offensive defenseman in women’s hockey, she excelled as a key playmaker. Mounsey was also integral in her college years at Brown University, earning numerous accolades and finishing with 118 career points. Now working as an orthopedic practitioner, her contributions to hockey were recognized with her induction into the Brown Athletic Hall of Fame.
Meanwhile, Bruce Bennett has been capturing the spirit of hockey for decades. As the New York Islanders’ team photographer from 1982 to 2004, he took photos for over 5,300 NHL games and documented six Winter Olympics. His photography journey began at Madison Square Garden in 1974, and he’s now known for having one of the largest collections of hockey photographs in the world. Bennett’s unique perspective has helped shape how fans view the sport, making him a vital part of its visual history.
In a world where hockey continues to thrive, these figures remind us of the sport’s rich tapestry—where each player’s journey adds to the game’s evolving story. Their legacies not only define hockey history but also inspire the next generation of players and fans alike.
