NASHVILLE, TN – May 15, 2024 – Legendary Nashville Predators Goaltender Pekka Rinne has been named to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024. Rinne was told of the news Wednesday during a Predators scouting meeting at Bridgestone Arena by members of the Predators organization and Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame (TSHF) Executive Director Brad Willis. Additionally, TSHF revealed its list of annual honorees this week, which includes iconic figures in the sports world, along with those currently paving the way for racing, softball, baseball, basketball, golf, hockey and more.
Each year, TSHF pays homage to the state’s rich sports history and their impact within the community. The Class of 2024 and annual honorees will be celebrated July 20 at the organization’s annual banquet, presented by the Tennessee Titans. Tickets are available now at http://TSHF2024.givesmart.com.
“Pekka Rinne is a first-ballot Hall of Famer in every sense of the word. The statue that stands outside of Bridgestone Arena is a great testament to what he meant to the Predators organization and the entire city of Nashville,” said Brad Willis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. “We’re excited to name Pekka Rinne to our 2024 Class of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.”
Rinne, the only player in franchise history to have his number retired, now serves as the team’s European Development Coach and Scout. He spent the 2022-23 season as a Special Alumni Advisor. Rinne, who served as Goaltending Coach for Finland’s team at the 2023 World Junior Championship, retired in July 2021 as the franchise leader in nearly every goaltending category, including games played (683), wins (369), goals-against average (2.43), total time on ice (39,413:29), shutouts (60) and saves (17,627). In NHL history, he sits 19th in shutouts and is tied for 20th in victories. His No. 35 was raised to the rafters in a pregame ceremony on Feb. 24, 2022, and on March 25, 2023, a statue of him was unveiled on the Bridgestone Arena Plaza.
The winner of the 2018 Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s top goaltender, Rinne was also a finalist for the award three other times (2011, 2012 and 2015), a four-time NHL All-Star (2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019) and was twice voted to the NHL’s year-end All-Star Teams, including a First Team nod in 2017-18.
Off the ice, Rinne won the 2021 King Clancy Memorial Trophy, an appropriate recognition of a career spent dedicated to the Nashville and Middle Tennessee communities and the Predators Foundation.
Rinne has given back philanthropically through the 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund presented by Twice Daily, which he launched alongside former Predators Captain Shea Weber during the 2012-13 season. He also dedicated time to the Best Buddies Tennessee program, forming lasting relationships with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including his longtime friend, Mike Maguire.
Rinne joins Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson, Olympic Gold Medal figure skater Scott Hamilton, University of Tennessee and MLB Baseball star Chris Burke, Millington business owner and philanthropist, the late W.S. “Babe” Howard, ETSU Golf Coaching legend Fred Warren, Nashville-area tennis pro Thay Butchee, the late Charlie Bayless, longtime basketball coach at Happy Valley High School, Tennessee tennis star Paul Annacone, TSU Track legend Jean Patton Latimer, Memphis champion racquetball player and coach Larry Liles, and Austin Peay basketball coaching legend Dave Loos as the full list of 2024 Inductees.
ABOUT THE TENNESSEE SPORTS HALL OF FAME:
Established in 1966, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Tennessee Lottery, enshrines and honors athletes, teams, coaches, sports writers and sports administrators who have made an impact on the history of Tennessee sports. The Hall serves as a platform to connect athletes, coaches, sports fans, and supporters by acknowledging life achievements implemented through sports. The Hall celebrates athletes of all forms, from all across the state. Additionally, Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame aspires to educate youth about the importance of healthy habits and the positive impact they have on lifestyle choices. For more information, visit www.tshf.net.
ABOUT THE TENNESSEE EDUCATION LOTTERY CORPORATION:
The Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation operates entirely from the revenue it generates through the sale of its products. Since January 20, 2004, the Lottery has raised more than $7 billion to fund designated education programs, including college grants, scholarships, Drive to 55 initiatives and after-school programs. In addition to the educational beneficiaries, players have won more than $19.8 billion in prizes and Lottery retailers have earned more than $1.9 billion in commissions. For additional information, visit tnlottery.com and follow the TEL on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
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