Top 10 Greatest Hockey Players Of All Time
Hockey has been played for over a century now and has seen many great players. These players have left their mark on the sport, setting records, and helping their teams win championships. Here is a list of the top ten greatest hockey players of all time.
1. Wayne Gretzky
Undoubtedly, Wayne Gretzky is the greatest hockey player of all time. Nicknamed "The Great One," Gretzky dominated the game for over two decades, setting numerous records that still stand today. He won four Stanley Cup championships with the Edmonton Oilers and was awarded the Hart Trophy, given to the most valuable player in the league, nine times.
2. Bobby Orr
Bobby Orr is considered to be the greatest defenseman in hockey history. He revolutionized the position with his offensive skills, scoring 139 goals in just 657 games. Orr led the Boston Bruins to two Stanley Cup championships and was awarded the Norris Trophy, given to the league's top defenseman, eight times in nine years.
3. Mario Lemieux
Mario Lemieux was a dominant force on the ice, possessing great size, speed, and strength. He led the Pittsburgh Penguins to two Stanley Cup championships and was awarded the Hart Trophy three times. Lemieux finished his career with 690 goals and 1,033 assists in just 915 games.
4. Gordie Howe
Gordie Howe, known as "Mr. Hockey," was a true legend of the sport. He played 26 seasons in the NHL, winning four Stanley Cup championships with the Detroit Red Wings. Howe was an incredibly talented scorer and also possessed great physicality, earning the nickname "Elbows." He finished his career with 801 goals and 1,049 assists.
5. Maurice Richard
Maurice Richard, known as "The Rocket," was one of the greatest goal scorers in hockey history. He won eight Stanley Cup championships with the Montreal Canadiens and was the first player to score 50 goals in a season. Richard was also a physical player, earning over 1,200 penalty minutes in his career.
6. Jean Béliveau
Jean Béliveau was a dominant center for the Montreal Canadiens, leading them to ten Stanley Cup championships. He was known for his great leadership skills on and off the ice, and also possessed incredible offensive skills, scoring 507 goals and 712 assists in his career.
7. Terry Sawchuk
Terry Sawchuk was one of the greatest goaltenders in hockey history. He played 21 seasons in the NHL, winning four Stanley Cup championships and being awarded the Vezina Trophy, given to the league's top goaltender, four times. Sawchuk had a career goals against average of just 2.52, one of the lowest in NHL history.
8. Bobby Hull
Bobby Hull, known as "The Golden Jet," was a prolific scorer in the NHL. He won the Hart Trophy twice and scored 50 goals in a season three times. Hull possessed an incredible shot, with many considering it to be the hardest in hockey history, and finished his career with 610 goals and 560 assists.
9. Eddie Shore
Eddie Shore was one of the NHL's toughest and most skilled defensemen. He won two Hart Trophies, four Stanley Cup championships, and was known for his hard hits and physical play. Shore also possessed great offensive skills, finishing his career with 284 points in just 550 games.
10. Doug Harvey
Doug Harvey was a smooth-skating defenseman who was known for his incredible passing and puck-handling skills. He won seven Norris Trophies and six Stanley Cup championships in his career, and was known as one of the smartest players in the game. Harvey finished his career with 88 goals and 452 assists.
In conclusion, these are the top ten greatest hockey players of all time. Each player left a lasting impact on the sport, setting records and helping their teams win championships. Their incredible skills and dedication to the game will never be forgotten.
