“To this day, my love for the game remains strong, even though my body hasn’t held up as long as I had hoped,” Weber said. “It’s because there are so many reasons to be grateful when playing this game. And it’s not just about the big moments, getting a playoff victory or winning Olympic gold. It’s the small, seemingly routine moments that matter most. It’s those friendships formed over countless plane and bus trips, team dinners or discussions in the coaches’ room. It’s when a veteran player takes you under their wing and shows you what it truly means to be a professional. I want to thank all of these players for demonstrating the importance of hard work and dedication. By passing on your knowledge to the next generation, you ensure that the spirit of this game continues to thrive.

And he had a very special message for someone in Nashville.

“I would like to thank all my coaches, my teammates, general managers, doctors, trainers, front office staff, my agents… the rink attendants and, of course, (Predators locker room attendant Craig) partner (Baugh) in Nashville, all of whom encouraged and mentored me.

Weber concluded by thanking the people who mean the most to him – his brother Brandon, his father James, who “worked in a sawmill to support our family and allowed us to play, even going so far as to sell your most valuable asset, the Mustang, to give us more opportunities. And, holding back tears, he thanked his late mother, Tracy, who he knew to be, “keeping watch with that big smile.”

Finally, he thanked his wife, Bailey, and three children, for their “unwavering support” before leaving with a message for them and everyone who played even a small role in what is now a Hall of Fame career.

“My children, I feel so lucky to share this moment with you,” Weber said. “I want you to know how important it is to continue to aspire to be great – and whatever you choose, it doesn’t matter – dream big, work hard and always believe in yourself, just like you have believed in me. To everyone who has been a part of my journey as a mentor, friend, or both, this moment is as much yours as it is mine. Thank you.

A few inductees later, David Poile shared the same gratitude.

The only general manager in the first 25 years of Nashville Predators history – and the winningest general manager in NHL history – Poile was surrounded by family, friends and colleagues, first during his welcome dinner in the Great Hall on Sunday evening, then Monday in front of the hockey world.

Poile first started with those he called his Hall of Famers, his family.

“I couldn’t have dreamed of or found a better teammate in life than my wife, Elizabeth, who has been with me every step of the way,” Poile said as his beloved partner looked on affectionately from the front row. “I managed to pull off the hat trick of life: who you marry and who you share your journey with, the job you have and the places you live. Elizabeth and I formed a team, from Atlanta to Calgary to Washington and, ultimately, Nashville. She has been the pillar of our family throughout our shared hockey journey. THANKS.”

Poile also paid tribute to his son – and Predators assistant general manager – Brian, as well as Brian’s wife, Valerie, and son, Wyatt. Poile also told his daughter, Lauren, as well as her husband, Todd, and daughters, Ellie and Charlotte, that he was “looking forward to spending much more time with each of you.”

That moment will finally come after 41 consecutive years as CEO. Poile thanked his first mentor – his father, Norman “Bud” Poile, also a member of the Hall as a builder – and his second mentor, Cliff Fletcher, who gave Poile his first job with the Atlanta Flames as a administrative assistant.