DETROIT -- Jimmy Devellano helped turn two franchises into Stanley Cup champions while drafting, hiring and developing people who have left their mark in hockey.

Devellano began his NHL career as an unpaid Toronto-area scout for the St. Louis Blues in 1967, and on Tuesday, the senior vice president of the Detroit Red Wings was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

"When we get into the business, we all want to get our names on the Stanley Cup," Devellano said. "I've been blessed to do it more than once (four times with Detroit, three with the New York Islanders). On an individual basis, the highest thing you can be recognized with is a Hall of Fame spot. I'm obviously thrilled."

Devellano, 67, was selected in the builders category.

Scrappy forward Dino Ciccarelli, who scored 608 goals and spent four of his 19 seasons with the Red Wings, was selected in the players category, along with Cammi Granato and Angela James, who are the first female players elected.

The induction ceremony is Nov. 8 in Toronto.

Next season will be Devellano's 44th in the NHL and his 29th with the Red Wings.

The once-proud franchise was in shambles when Mike and Marian Ilitch purchased it from the Norris family in 1982. The team had missed the playoffs in 14 of the previous 17 seasons, and its dwindling season-ticket base had dropped to 2,100.

Devellano, the first general manager the Ilitches hired following his successful stint as a scout and assistant GM with the Islanders, was at the forefront of the Red Wings' resurrection.

The foundation was laid in '83, when Devellano, in his first entry draft as GM, selected Steve Yzerman with the fourth overall pick.

Devellano vowed to build through the draft and spearheaded the organization's efforts to procure talent from Europe. The club's 1989 "Draft for the Ages" produced Nicklas Lidstrom, Sergei Fedorov and Vladimir Konstantinov.

Devellano hired Ken Holland as a scout and was instrumental in his ascension to general manager. He also recommended the hiring of Scotty Bowman as coach in '93.

"It was tough through the '80s, it didn't happen overnight, but once we got into the '90s and a flock of Europeans came over, we got good in a hurry," Devellano said. "And for 19 years we've been a good club."

Among Devellano's numerous contributions is his cultivation of front-office talent.

"The development of Ken Holland, (assistant GM) Jim Nill, Steve Yzerman, even (NHL vice president of operations) Colin Campbell -- who we had as a player and made him into an assistant coach, now he's a big guy in the league office -- those were the people I gave a chance to and they responded," Devellano said. "We've been able to produce good, young hockey people. (Holland and Nill) started as scouts and worked their way up.

He also said he's proud of Yzerman, who apprenticed in the Red Wings' front office as vice president for four years before becoming GM in Tampa Bay last month.

Devellano's teams have missed the playoffs only five times in 42 seasons, including the Islanders' first two years as an expansion club.

Devellano remains active behind the scenes, scouting NHL games, providing input on player moves and advising management on contracts. He will be in Los Angeles this weekend for the entry draft.

Ciccarelli, 50, waited eight years to be selected. The small (5-foot-10, 180 pounds) but scrappy net-front battler had 107 goals and 240 points in 254 games with the Red Wings from '92-96.

He began his NHL career with the Minnesota North Stars in 1980 and had stops in Washington, Tampa Bay and Florida. He finished with 1,200 points.

An emotional Ciccarelli called the Hall nod a tremendous honor he will cherish for the rest of his life.

"I just lost my mom a few months ago and my dad a few years ago," Ciccarelli said during a conference call. "It would have been nice to enjoy it with my parents, but I've got my kids, my family and a lot of friends. We're going to enjoy this and celebrate it."

Granato played 15 years with the U.S. women's team, leading it to a gold medal at the 1998 Winter Olympics.

James was a four-time world champion with the Canadian women's team.

The late Daryl (Doc) Seaman, a founding owner of the Calgary Flames, also was elected as a builder.