Hockey, a sport loved by many, has produced some of the greatest athletes of all time. Whether it’s their exceptional skills on the ice or their inspiring leadership off it, these players have left an indelible mark on the sport. From Gretzky to Crosby, Orr to Lemieux, there are so many greats to choose from when looking at the history of hockey. So, we’ve put together a list of the greatest hockey players of all time – a ranking of the legends who have shaped this beloved game. In this article, we’ll highlight these legendary players and explore what made them stand out on and off the ice. Let’s dive in!
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Gordie Howe
Gordie Howe, known affectionately as “Mr. Hockey” and “Mr. Elbows,” was a legendary NHL player best remembered for his eight-year stint with the Detroit Red Wings from 1946 to 1971. During this time, Howe won four Stanley Cups and set a record of 801 career goals, cementing him firmly in the annals of hockey greatness. Aside from being an incredible scorer, Howe was also known for his tough play and lack of need for an enforcer when it came to settling issues on the ice – he embodied what it meant to be ‘tough’ during games. His legacy includes helping give rise to the “Gordie Howe hat trick” a feat that has become infamous in today’s hockey community: one goal, one assist, and one fight all in one game. Having played until age 52 (approximately 100 years in hockey years), Gordie Howe is still considered a legend throughout hockey circles even decades after he retires from the sport.
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Wayne Gretzky
Wayne Gretzky is widely considered the greatest player in NHL history. His innovative approach to hockey stunned its fans and earned him numerous accolades. He was so influential, he was awarded 4 Stanley Cup titles with the Edmonton Oilers and nine MVP awards during his time there. Following this astonishing streak, he was then traded to the Los Angeles Kings in 1988 where his presence popularized ice hockey in the US. His impact on the game did not waver; his record-breaking 894 goals are still yet to be beaten to this day. It’s clear that “The Great One” lived up to his name, propelling the game of hockey forward and changing it forevermore.
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Bobby Orr
Bobby Orr is an iconic name in the world of hockey and his accomplishments solidify him as one of the greats. He became the first defenseman to lead the NHL in scoring in 1970 and was awarded the League MVP three times between 1970 and 1972, a remarkable feat few can emulate. Additionally, he holds a unique record of eight James Norris Memorial Trophy wins from 1968 to 1975, further proving his mastery over the sport of hockey. He earned two Stanley Cup Championships with the Boston Bruins in 1970 and 1972 – two crowning achievements to solidify his place among some of hockey’s greatest stars.
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Mario Lemieux
Mario Lemieux was a combination of power and finesse. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches, he could overpower opponents with his size, but had the agility to move with lightning speed. During his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, many of his accomplishments closely followed one another. In 1991-92 he won the NHL Stanley Cup as a player, and although he missed various seasons due to being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, he still managed to amass an impressive 690 career goals. After retiring in 1997, Lemieux became a majority owner of the Penguins and two years later helped them keep afloat after they declared bankruptcy. He even returned as a player briefly before fully retiring in 2006. One more Stanley Cup win came in 2009 when the Penguins took it home – making Mario Lemieux the first person ever to win it both as a player and team owner.
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Maurice Richard
Maurice Richard, lovingly referred to as “The Rocket”, was an outstanding figure in the world of sports. He earned his nickname for his blazing speed on the ice and became a ground-breaking player in his area of expertise. What separated the legendary McGill hockey star from other players of his time was the countless accomplishments he made in just 18 years of playing with the Montreal Canadiens. Winning eight Stanley Cups and making history by being the first player to score 500 goals and light up the lamp 50 times in a single season were only some of his most remarkable achievements. However, he wasn’t only appreciated for his undeniable talent but also notorious for his belligerent nature and occasional flare-ups. This ultimately led to him being suspended after causing a major commotion amongst fans by fighting during a game, resulting in riots all over Montreal. All things considered, Maurice Richard truly was an inspirational figure even after leaving us too soon.
Conclusion
It’s easy to get lost in the debate of who is the greatest hockey player of all time. But, when it comes down to it, there isn’t a single player who can lay claim to that title. The game is filled with legends that have left their mark in different ways, and this list shows some of them. These players had unique skill sets that allowed them to rise above the rest and inspire millions of people along the way. So let’s take a moment and give thanks to the players that made hockey so legendary. They were pioneers on the ice and gave us something special we will never forget.
