Whos The Best Hockey Player Ever
There have been many great hockey players over the years, but who is the best of all time? It's a hotly debated topic and one that can lead to passionate arguments among fans. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the greatest players in the history of the sport and try to determine who deserves the title of the best hockey player ever.
Wayne Gretzky
When it comes to the best hockey player ever, there's one name that always comes up: Wayne Gretzky. Widely considered the greatest player in NHL history, Gretzky's stats are simply incredible. Over his career, he scored an unbelievable 894 goals and 1,963 assists, for a total of 2,857 points. He won four Stanley Cups, nine Hart Trophies (awarded to the NHL's most valuable player), and ten Art Ross Trophies (awarded to the NHL's top scorer).
But Gretzky was more than just a prolific scorer. He was also a master at reading the game and making plays. His ability to see the ice and anticipate where his teammates would be was unparalleled. He was a true team player and was known for his humility and work ethic off the ice as well.
Bobby Orr
Bobby Orr is another player whose name is often mentioned in discussions about the best hockey player of all time. Orr played for the Boston Bruins in the 1960s and 70s, and despite injuries that cut his career short, he managed to rack up an impressive list of accomplishments. He won two Stanley Cups, eight Norris Trophies (awarded to the NHL's top defenseman), and three Hart Trophies. He was also the first defenseman to win the NHL scoring title, which he did twice.
What sets Orr apart from other players is his skating ability. He was incredibly fast and agile, and he could move the puck up the ice like no one else. He revolutionized the role of the defenseman, becoming an offensive force and changing the way the game was played.
Gordie Howe
Gordie Howe, also known as "Mr. Hockey," was a player who dominated the sport in the 1950s and 60s. He played for the Detroit Red Wings for most of his career and won four Stanley Cups. Over his career, he scored an impressive 801 goals and 1,049 assists, for a total of 1,850 points.
But what really sets Howe apart is his longevity. He played professional hockey for an incredible 32 years, and he continued to be a force on the ice well into his 40s. He was tough, too, and known for his physical play. He wasn't afraid to mix it up and was always willing to defend his teammates.
Mario Lemieux
Mario Lemieux is another player who is often mentioned in discussions about the best hockey player ever. He played for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1980s and 90s and was one of the most dominant offensive players of his time. Over his career, he scored 690 goals and 1,033 assists, for a total of 1,723 points. He won two Stanley Cups and three Hart Trophies.
But what sets Lemieux apart is the fact that he overcame incredible obstacles to achieve his success. He was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1993 and underwent treatment that caused him to miss a significant portion of the season. Despite this setback, he returned to the ice and led the Penguins to the Stanley Cup that year. He retired in 2006 but returned to the NHL a few years later as the owner of the Penguins.
Sidney Crosby
Sidney Crosby is a player who is still in the prime of his career, but he's already accomplished a lot. He plays for the Pittsburgh Penguins and has won three Stanley Cups, two Hart Trophies, and two Art Ross Trophies. Over his career, he's scored 462 goals and 801 assists, for a total of 1,263 points.
What sets Crosby apart is his work ethic and dedication to the game. He's known for his intense training regimen and his ability to constantly improve his skills. Despite his success, he's remained humble and focused on the team's success rather than personal accolades.
Conclusion
So who is the best hockey player ever? It's a tough question to answer definitively, as each of these players has their own strengths and accomplishments. However, there's no denying the impact they've had on the sport and the joy they've brought to fans around the world. No matter who you think is the best, it's clear that hockey wouldn't be the same without these incredible athletes.