MADISON, Wis. – One of the top men's hockey players in American history will take his place among his peers this year when Joe Pavelski gets inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame.

Affectionately known as 'Captain America' during his playing career for Team USA, Pavelski finished his NHL playing days as Wisconsin's all-time leading NHL scorer with 1,068 points over his 18-year professional career.

The Plover, Wisconsin, native skated in 1,332 regular-season games and scored a Badger-best 476 career goals playing with the San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars. He captained the Sharks and served as an alternate captain for the Stars.

The two-time Olympian won a silver medal at the 2010 games, while also captaining Team USA at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

As a Badger, Pavelski earned 2006 Second-Team All-America honors when he led UW in scoring on its way to the 2006 NCAA Championship, the schools sixth all-time. He collected 56 points that season to rank fourth in the nation. He also earned 2005 All-WCHA Rookie Team honors when he shared the national lead with 45 points as a Wisconsin frosh.

Pavelski is the ninth player in UW history with over 100 points through his first two seasons, and he shares the Wisconsin record with four assists in a period.

The all-time leading NHL playoff goal scorer among U.S.-born skaters, Pavelski is a two-time Stanley Cup finalist, one each with San Jose and Dallas, and a four-time NHL All-Star Game participant. He posted a 40-goal season and five 30-goal seasons during his NHL career. Pavelski also ranks sixth in points, seventh in goals and plus/minus, and 12th in assists in NHL history among American-born players.

Pavelski's athletic success also includes the golf course. He captured the 2025 American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament this summer and the celebrity 2025 LPGA Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament this past February.

Pavelski officially enters the UW Athletics Hall of Fame this weekend.

The U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2025 is the 53rd and the formal Induction Celebration will take place on Dec. 10, 2025, in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Badgers in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame
2025    Joe Pavelski
2025    Brianna Decker
2022    Jim Johannson
2020    Tony Granato
2016    1996 World Cup of Hockey Team (Mke Richter, Jim Carey, Gary Suter, Chris Chelios)
2014    Jeff Sauer, Brian Rafalski
2011    Chris Chelios, Gary Suter
2008    Mike Richter
2004    Mark Johnson
2003    1980 U.S. Olympic Team (Mark Johnson, Bob Suter)
1991    Bob Johnson