5 Feb
Ice Hockey (known as just ‘hockey’ in areas where it is played on ice) is a perfect example of how the ‘game of life’ should be played. Known for its fast pace, physicality and the importance of ‘taking your chances’, this game has become one of the four major North American professional sports. The world of hockey has seen many players come and go. Here is a list of the top 10 players that the world has seen and acknowledged. However, this list is not a ranking of hockey players but a list of names that have been instrumental to making the game what it is today.
1. Wayne Gretzky – He is considered one of the best athletes in hockey that lived up to his nickname, ‘The Great One’. Despite his athletic skills not considered impressive, he seemed to have ‘eyes in the back of his head’ and a knack of ‘rolling with a check’, that was crucial to his performance and which led to his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1999.
2. Bobby Orr – He is considered to be a perfectionist of the game whose efforts revolutionized the game with his command over the two-way game that was considered unique for hockey players who played for the position of defenseman.
3. Mario Lemieux – If he is to be described in one word that word would be ‘magnificent’. He was a gifted playmaker and skater and was considered one of the most talented players in the game by many of his peers. If not for his health problems, his on-ice achievements would be greater although his contribution as a player to the NHL and the Pittsburg Penguins was crucial to its success.
4. Gordie Howe – Many would argue Gordie Howe is the greatest hockey player of of all time due to his scoring prowess, his physical
strength that helped him achieve the unique feat of competing in the NHL in five different decades. He is popularly known as “Mr. Hockey” while receiving the first NHL Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008.
5. Maurice ‘Rocket’ Richard – Rocket Richard was incomparable while being the most prolific goal-scorer during his era, while being the first player to achieve the feat of 50 goals in 50 games, while representing the Montreal Canadiens during his entire career.
6. Bobby Hull – He hails from a long line of NHL hockey players in his family. During his career, he was known for his quick skating speed, blonde hair and possessing the fastest shot (and a feared slapshot) thus earning him the title, ‘The Golden Jet’. He is regarded to be the greatest left winger to have ever played the game.
7. Terry Sawchuk – Terry Sawchuk is the favorite of veteran fans, and is the greatest goaltender in the history of the game, playing 21 seasons in the National Hockey League.
8. Mike Bossy – He was a true goal-scoring machine for the New York Islanders and arguably was the greatest bona-fide sniper of all time, resulting in his team’s four-year reign as Stanley Cup champions in the 1980s. Despite his career being cut short by injuries, he was among the league’s top goal scorers for the duration of his career.
9. Bobby Clarke – He was both hockeys’ greatest player as well the greatest villain, depending on how you look at him. As captain of the notorious Broad Street Bullies team known for their tireless work ethic as well as a willingness to bend the rules, his infamous slash to the ankle of Valeri Kharmalov in 1972 Summit Series is still a subject of controversy even until today. However, he was a great defensive player, checker and one of the best in the face-off circle, which earned him a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1987.
10. Guy LaFleur – In the six year period he played during the 70’s, his goal-scoring ability and smooth skating style has earned him a reputation of being one of the most gifted and natural players in the NHL. He was affectionately called ‘Flower’ by English fans while the French nicknamed him “le Démon Blond”, and was regarded to be the cornerstone of five Stanley Cup championship teams which was good enough to induct him into the Hockey Hall of Fame.