Hockey Players From Sault Ste Marie
Hockey is one of the most popular sports in North America, and Canada is known for producing some of the best hockey players in the world. Sault Ste Marie, a city located in northern Ontario, has been a hotbed of hockey talent for many years. From NHL Hall of Famers to up-and-coming stars, Sault Ste Marie has produced some of the best hockey players in history.
The Soo Greyhounds: A Hockey Tradition
One of the reasons why Sault Ste Marie has produced so many talented hockey players is because of the Soo Greyhounds. The Soo Greyhounds are a junior ice hockey team that has been around since 1962. The team has produced many great hockey players, including Wayne Gretzky, who played for the team for a brief period before moving on to the NHL.
Other great hockey players who played for the Soo Greyhounds include Joe Thornton, Jeff Carter, and Ron Francis. These players went on to have successful NHL careers, and they credit their time with the Soo Greyhounds for helping them develop their skills and prepare them for the next level.
Notable Hockey Players From Sault Ste Marie
Sault Ste Marie has produced many great hockey players over the years. Here are some of the most notable players:
Tony Esposito
Tony Esposito is a retired NHL goalie who played for the Chicago Blackhawks and the Montreal Canadiens. He is considered one of the best goalies of all time, and he was inducted into the NHL Hall of Fame in 1988. Esposito grew up in Sault Ste Marie and played for the Soo Greyhounds before moving on to the NHL.
Phil and Tony Esposito
Phil Esposito and his brother Tony are both from Sault Ste Marie and are both NHL Hall of Famers. Phil played for the Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, and Chicago Blackhawks, and he is considered one of the greatest scorers in NHL history. Tony, as mentioned before, was a great goalie and played for the Chicago Blackhawks and the Montreal Canadiens. The Esposito brothers are considered two of the best hockey players to come out of Sault Ste Marie.
Paul Coffey
Paul Coffey is another NHL Hall of Famer who hails from Sault Ste Marie. He played for the Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Detroit Red Wings, among other teams, and he is considered one of the best offensive defensemen in NHL history. Coffey was known for his speed and his ability to join the rush, and he helped lead the Oilers to four Stanley Cup championships in the 1980s.
Jeff Carter
Jeff Carter is a current NHL player who hails from Sault Ste Marie. He has played for the Philadelphia Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Los Angeles Kings, and he has won two Stanley Cup championships with the Kings. Carter is known for his scoring ability and his physical play, and he is considered one of the best power forwards in the NHL.
Conclusion
Sault Ste Marie has a rich hockey tradition, and the city has produced some of the best hockey players in history. From NHL Hall of Famers like Tony Esposito and Phil Esposito to current stars like Jeff Carter, Sault Ste Marie continues to produce top talent that dominates on the ice.
