2/8/1982 President Reagan greeting Wayne Gretzky at a Luncheon for National Hockey League All Stars
Ice hockey is Canada’s national sport, and this country has produced some of the greatest players in the game’s history. From the early days of the NHL to the present, Canadian hockey players have been at the forefront of the sport, dominating the ice with their skill, athleticism, and grit. In this article, we’ll take a look at the five best Canadian ice hockey players ever.
1. Wayne Gretzky
Known as “The Great One,” Wayne Gretzky is widely considered the greatest hockey player of all time. Born in Brantford, Ontario, in 1961, Gretzky began his NHL career with the Edmonton Oilers in 1979. Over his 20-year career, Gretzky set numerous records and won four Stanley Cups. He retired in 1999 as the NHL’s all-time leading scorer with 2,857 points. Gretzky was also a two-time Olympic gold medalist and led Canada to victory in the 2002 Winter Olympics.
2. Bobby Orr
Bobby Orr is often regarded as the greatest defenseman in NHL history. Born in Parry Sound, Ontario, in 1948, Orr began his NHL career with the Boston Bruins in 1966. Over his 12-year career, Orr won two Stanley Cups and set numerous records, including eight consecutive Norris Trophies as the NHL’s top defenseman. Orr revolutionized the position of defenseman, bringing an offensive element to the game that was previously unseen. He retired in 1978 with 915 points in just 657 games.
3. Mario Lemieux
Mario Lemieux was one of the most dominant players of his era. Born in Montreal, Quebec, in 1965, Lemieux began his NHL career with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1984. Over his 17-year career, Lemieux won two Stanley Cups and set numerous records, including leading the NHL in scoring six times. He retired in 2006 with 1,723 points in just 915 games. Lemieux was also a two-time Olympic gold medalist and led Canada to victory in the 2002 Winter Olympics.
4. Gordie Howe
Gordie Howe, also known as “Mr. Hockey,” was a dominant force in the NHL for over four decades. Born in Floral, Saskatchewan, in 1928, Howe began his NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings in 1946. Over his 26-year career, Howe won four Stanley Cups and set numerous records, including being the only player to have played in the NHL in five different decades. He retired in 1980 with 1,850 points in 1,767 games.
5. Maurice Richard
Maurice Richard, also known as “The Rocket,” was one of the most prolific scorers in NHL history. Born in Montreal, Quebec, in 1921, Richard began his NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens in 1942. Over his 18-year career, Richard won eight Stanley Cups and set numerous records, including being the first player to score 50 goals in a season. He retired in 1960 with 966 points in 978 games.
