Frank Zamboni never laced up his skates for a hockey game, but he left behind a legacy that lives on at nearly every ice hockey rink.

It was 50 years ago that Zamboni received the patent for the world's first self-propelled ice resurfacing machine. The Zamboni was born.

Zamboni was one of four individuals who, along with one team, were enshrined intot he U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame on Dec. 1. Joining the late innovator were former NHLers Tony Amonte, Tom Barasso and John LeClair, and the 1998 U.S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team. The ceremony took place at the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel, where more than 450 people were on hand to celebrate the inductees.

Zamboni died in 1988, but his family has watched his creation become synonymous with the game. From appearances at the Olympic Games dating back to the 1960s, to being named the Official Ice Resurfacer of the NHL in 2002, the machine has become one of the most important pieces of technology for the ice hockey rink. His invention has helped him become a member of the United States Figure Skating Association Hall of Fame (2000), the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame (2006) and the National Inventors Hall of Fame (2007).

"This is a wonderful tribute to my father," said Richard Zamboni, who represented his late father, Frank. "He would have been tremendously pleased to join such a distinguished group."

Barrasso, dubbed one of the finest American goaltenders to play the game, won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 1991 and 1992 with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He played 777 career games with six teams (Buffalo Sabres, Pittsburgh Penguins, Ottawa Senators, Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs and St. Louis Blues) and ranks first among U.S.-born netminders in the NHL in playoff victories (61) and second in regular-season victories (369). In addition, he holds the NHL record among goaltenders for career points (48) and assists (48). The fifth overall pick of the Sabres in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft, Barrasso became the only goaltender to play in the NHL directly from high school.

"I'm honored to be here tonight," said Barrasso. "When I was a boy, I dreamed of playing in the NHL and I was lucky to be given such wonderful opportunities from the people around me who helped me succeed. We need to continue providing opportunities for others to continue growing this great game in our country."

LeClair was the first U.S.-born player to record three straight 50-goal seasons in the NHL, from 1995-98. During his 16-year career, he played for the Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins and the Montreal Canadiens. He helped the Canadiens capture a Stanley Cup in 1953. He finished his career with 406 goals and 413 assists for 819 points in 967 career games and ranks 13th on the NHL's all-time points list among American-born players.

LeClair notes it was more than just his NHL experience that he enjoyed. He also enjoyed representing the U.S. A two-time Olympian (1998 and 2002), LeClair ranked second on the team and third overall in points at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, helping lead Team USA to the silver medal. He was also a member of Team USA at the 1996 World Cup of Hockey, and the U.S. National Junior Team at the 1988 and 1989 IIHF World Junior Championships. LeClair netted 22 goals and 34 points in 31 career games in a Team USA uniform.

"It was a dream of mine to play in the Olympics after watching the 1980 Olympic team," said LeClair. "Playing for the U.S. was always an honor and I'm extremely grateful and humbled to receive this honor."

Amonte played a role in one of the most memorable moments in U.S. hockey history, when he scored the game-winning goal against Canada at 17:25 of the third period in the deciding game of the the inaugural World Cup of Hockey in 1996. In 1,174 games over 15 years in the National Hockey League, Amonte registered 416 goals and 484 assists for 900 points, while playing for five teams (New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks, Phoenix Coyotes, Philadelphia Flyers and Calgary Flames). A five-time NHL all-star, Amonte currently ranks 11th on the all-time points list among American-born players. He broke the 30-goal mark in eight of his 15 seasons and led the Blackhawks in scoring twice.

"It's such an honor to be included with all these tremendous people here tonight," Amonte said. "I never would have dreamed that I would be included in this elite group. It's extremely humbling."

The 1998 U.S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team twice defeated arch-rival Canada, including by a 3-1 count in the gold-medal game, en route to winning the first gold medal presented in women's ice hockey at an Olympic Winter Games. Behind the guidance of head coach Ben Smith, Team USA finished the tournament undefeated (6-0-0) and outscored its opponents, 36-8. Cammi Granato, a 2008 U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Inductee, Karyn Bye, Katie King and Gretchen Ulion, co-led the U.S. with eight points each. Netminders Sarah Tueting and Sara DeCosta split time in goal, each winning three games.

"Being a part of the 1998 Olympic Women's Team will always hold a special place in my heart," said Bye, an alternate captain of the team. "It's amazing to see how our team influenced so many young girls to play the sport. We couldn't have done it without all the support from USA Hockey. It's a true honor."

The U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame was founded in 1973 and is located in Eveleth, Minn.

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