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The gold medal made the 2002 Paralympic Sled Hockey Team also set the stage for the beginning of the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team's international dynasty. The team was enshrined into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame alongside fellow Class of 2024 inductees Matt Cullen, Brianna Decker, Frederick McLaughlin and Kevin Stevens. Sam Rosen was honored as the 2024 Lester Patrick Award recipient. " O u r d i s a b i l i t y c a n sometimes overshadow our athletic abilities on the ice," Guerra said. "Our induction into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame celebrates the Paralympics and ampli- fies the athleticism of our efforts on the ice. It reflects a significant shift in silent attitudes toward disability, reminding us that inclusion and representation matter. Every achieve- ment, no matter the obstacle, deserves to be honored." It was only less than half a mile away from the Omni William Penn Hotel that Cullen helped the Pittsburgh Penguins win two Stanley Cups during his time playing inside PPG Paints Arena and the Penguins hosted the Class of 2024, as well as their families and guests, during the Penguins 5-4 victory over the Florida Panthers the night before the Hall of Fame induction ceremony. "There's a lot of great memories here and a lot of great relation- ships," Cullen said. "It's great to be back here, and I wanted to thank the Penguins organi- zation for hosting this event and it was a lot of fun." A t h r e e - t i m e S t a n l e y Cup champion, Cullen had an extraordinary playing career that included 21 seasons in the NHL with eight different clubs. He is one of just two American-born players ever to compete in 1,500 or more games in the NHL. "I mean I have been in that many places that I have a lot of people to thank," Cullen said with a smile at the start of his thank you speech. I t h a s b e e n q u i t e t h e j o u r n e y f o r t h e Moorhead, Minnesota, native, who recalled memories of playing on his dad's homemade outdoor hockey rink with his two brothers and sister and having his mom waiting in the wings with hot chocolate and blankets for their frozen toes. "My dad was my hero, he still is," Cullen said. "He taught us how to work hard and he also taught us how to love the game. He would play with us out in the backyard rink that he built or in the basement. "The losers always had to make milkshakes for the winners." Cullen said his return to Pittsburgh cer- tainly brought back memories of the team's championship parades and all the close friend- ships that were formed, including with Sidney Crosby, who made it a priority to attend the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in support of his former teammate. 2024 LESTER PATRICK AWARD RECIPIENT PARALYMPIC INDUCTION SPEECH 2002 TEAM SLED HOCKEY SAM ROSEN JAN/FEB 2025 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM // 29 LEARN MORE: 2002 PARALYMPIC SLED HOCKEY TEAM