Best Hockey Centers Of All Time
Ice hockey is a sport that requires skill, agility, and a great deal of endurance. Over the years, there have been several hockey players who have stood out as some of the best in this position. Hockey centers are the forwards who play in the middle of the ice and are crucial to the team’s success. Let’s take a look at some of the best hockey centers of all time.
1. Wayne Gretzky
Wayne Gretzky is arguably the greatest hockey player of all time. He played in the NHL from 1979 to 1999, and his career statistics are jaw-dropping. He scored 894 career goals and has an all-time record of 2,857 points. Some of his accomplishments include four Stanley Cup championships, nine Hart Trophies, and ten Art Ross Trophies. His leadership and unselfish play made him a favorite among fans and players alike.
2. Mario Lemieux
Mario Lemieux is another hockey center who is widely considered to be one of the best of all time. He played in the NHL from 1984 to 2006, and his career was marked by both incredible highs and devastating lows. Despite several injuries and health issues, Lemieux managed to score 690 goals and tallied 1,723 points. He won two Stanley Cup championships and was awarded three Hart Trophies. In 1999, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
3. Mark Messier
Mark Messier played in the NHL from 1979 to 2004, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest leaders in hockey history. He was known for his toughness, his scoring ability, and his ability to rally his team. Messier scored 694 goals and tallied 1,887 points over the course of his career. He won six Stanley Cup championships and was awarded two Hart Trophies. Messier was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2007.
4. Jean Beliveau
Jean Beliveau played in the NHL from 1950 to 1971, and he was known for his incredible skill and class on and off the ice. He scored 507 goals and tallied 1,219 points over the course of his career. Beliveau won ten Stanley Cup championships and was awarded two Hart Trophies. He was known for his leadership, his sportsmanship, and his incredible work ethic. Beliveau was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972.
5. Sidney Crosby
Sidney Crosby is a current hockey center who has already made a strong case for himself as one of the all-time greats. He has played in the NHL since 2005 and has already won three Stanley Cup championships, two Hart Trophies, and two Art Ross Trophies. His scoring ability, his leadership, and his work ethic have made him one of the most beloved players in the game today.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many great hockey centers of all time. Whether you’re a fan of the old guard or a lover of the modern game, it’s hard to deny the incredible skill and leadership of these players. Their contributions to the sport of hockey have made it a better game for players and fans alike.
