One more for Monday: Emrick named to USHHOF

The United States Hockey Hall of Fame announced its next class this year, and a Hoosier was among the inductees.

Broadcaster Mike Emrick, who has been the voice of the NHL on national television for several years, first from 1986-88 on ESPN, then from 1995-2000 on Fox, and again from 2005-present on NBC. He also has been the television Voice of the New Jersey Devils from 1993-2011, and prior to that was the Philadelphia Flyers' TV voice from 1998-93. Emrick has been honored by the NHL (Lester Patrick Trophy), the Hockey Hall of Fame (Foster Hewitt Award) and recently won an Emmy award for his play-by-play.

Emrick is a native of LaFontaine, Indiana, celebrating his 65th birthday today. He graduated from Manchester College and also has graduate degrees from nearby Miami University and Bowling Green State University in Ohio. He began broadcasting in 1973 with the IHL's Port Huron Flags.

He joins former USHL player Gary Suter, Chris Chelios (whose two sons have played in the USHL), Keith Tkachuk and Flyers owner Ed Snider in this year's class. The USHHOF is based in Eveleth, Minn.

Other inductees with Indianapolis/Indiana ties are Dave Christian (2001, former Ice player), Cliff "Fido" Purpur (1974, former Capitals player),

The induction ceremony will take place this fall in Chicago.