It is practically impossible to select just a few of the greatest and most recognisable hockey players in history. Since the 19th century, hockey has been played, and over the years, innumerable players have competed and won championships. Some athletes, though, have stood out and left a lasting impression on the game. In light of this, let’s examine some of the finest hockey players in history.
1. Without a question, the best hockey player of all time is Wayne Gretzky. He has 62 NHL records, including the most goals (894), assists (1,963), and points (2,857) in a career. Gretzky won the Art Ross Trophy ten times, the Hart Award nine times, and the Stanley Cup four times. The Great One was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1999, thus his impact extends beyond the ice as well as off it.
2. Gordie Howe is one of the all-time great hockey players. He played in the NHL for 25 years and was a legendary Detroit Red Wings player. He won the Art Ross Trophy six times and won four Stanley Cups. In 1972, he was admitted to the Hall of Fame.
3. Mario Lemieux is regarded by many as one of the greatest hockey players in history. With the Pittsburgh Penguins, he enjoyed a fruitful 17-year career and guided the group to two Stanley Cup victories. Nine times he was an All-Star, three times he won the Hart Trophy, and twice he took home the Lester B. Pearson Award. In 1997, he was given eternal life in the Hall of Fame.
4. Bobby Orr is largely regarded as the greatest defenseman to ever play the position. His 12-year career with the Chicago Blackhawks and Boston Bruins was spectacular. With the Bruins, he won two Stanley Cups and eight Norris Trophies. In 1979, he was also inducted into the Hall of Fame.
5. One of the all-time greatest hockey players is Stan Mikita. He spent 12 seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks, where he won eight Art Ross Trophies and four Stanley Cups. In 1983, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame and was a nine-time All-Star.
6. Hockey legend Jean Beliveau enjoyed a fruitful 18-year career with the Montreal Canadiens. Ten Stanley Cups were won by him, and he twice received the Hart Trophy. In 1972, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame and was a three-time All-Star.
7. For 22 years, Steve Yzerman played for the Detroit Red Wings and was a standout in the NHL. With the Red Wings, he won three Stanley Cups and was selected to the All-Star team ten times. In addition, he twice received the Lester B. Pearson Award and the Conn Smythe Trophy. 2009 saw Yzerman’s induction into the Hall of Fame.
8. ‘The Rocket’ Maurice Richard, a legendary hockey player for the Montreal Canadiens, was a great athlete. Eight Stanley Cups and five Art Ross Trophies were among his career accomplishments. In 1961, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame and was an All-Star eleven times as well.
9. For the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers, Phil Esposito was a fantastic hockey player. He was a six-time All-Star and two Stanley Cup champions. Five times he received the Lester B. Pearson Award and the Hart Trophy. In 1984, he was admitted to the Hall of Fame.
10. One of the greatest hockey player of all time is Teemu Selanne. With the Winnipeg Jets, Anaheim Ducks, and San Jose Sharks throughout the course of a 21-year career. He was selected to the All-Star team eleven times and won the Stanley Cup in 2007 with the Ducks. In 2017, he was admitted to the Hall of Fame.
These are only a few of the greatest hockey players who have ever lived. There have been many others. They changed the game and served as inspirations for future generations of hockey players. They all deserve to be honored for their excellence because they are living legends who have made a significant impact on the game.
