 | ||
In 1997 the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) established the International Ice Hockey Federation Hall of Fame in Zürich, Switzerland. The IIHF Hall of Fame is intended to honor individuals who have made valuable contributions both internationally and in their home countries. The first class, which was composed of 30 individuals, was introduced during the 1997 World Championships in Helsinki, Finland. Members are inducted into the Hall under three separate categories: Player, Referee, and Builder (an individual that "manages" or grows the game). The IIHF and the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Canada, agreed on a long term contract whereby the Hockey Hall of Fame became the permanent residence for the IIHF Hall of Fame. On 29 June 1998, the Hockey Hall of Fame opened its newly revamped Exhibition Center containing an international area known as the World of Hockey Zone, which houses the exhibits for the IIHF Hall of Fame.