Hockey is a game that has captured our hearts for more than a century. It’s an intense and physically demanding sport but requires great skill, agility and finesse to excel in the rink. As such, it’s no surprise that there are so many legendary players in the history of hockey – but who stands out above all others? Here are our top 10 picks for the best hockey players ever.
Wayne Gretzky
Wayne Gretzky holds an incredible 61 NHL records, including the most goals (894) and assists (1,963) in league history. “The Great One” dominated during his time on the ice with skillful stickhandling and flawless decision making – it seemed he always knew where to be at just the right moment. Gretzky revolutionized modern hockey by perfecting a style centered around quick passing instead of direct physical play – allowing him to rack up points rapidly without relying solely on brute force or speed.
Mario Lemieux
Nicknamed “Super Mario,” this legendary Pittsburgh Penguins star had incredible talent that wowed crowds and fellow players alike. Despite battling Hodgkin’s Lymphoma during the prime of his career, Lemieux still managed to score more than a point per game and lead his team to back-to-back trophies, with NHL Stanley Cup odds stacked against them. Known for pulling off unbelievable moves on-ice with effortless grace, it seemed like Mario could do no wrong.
Bobby Orr
Another world-renowned hockey player, Bobby Orr is widely considered as the greatest defenseman in NHL history. He was a masterful skater who constantly pushed the envelope with bold offensive breaks and swift defensive maneuvers. While he could score goals on his own, Orr’s game-changing ability came from creating opportunities for teammates – setting them up for easy scores that put him at parity or ahead of many forwards’ point totals.
Gordie Howe
Known as “Mr. Hockey”, Gordie Howe was a pioneer and one of the greatest players to ever grace the sport – playing professionally for five decades from 1945 until his retirement in 1980 at age 52! A physical powerhouse, Howe had an intimidating presence on ice with strong hands that helped him score goals while dishing out punishing hits. He still holds many records today including being second all-time in NHL career points.
Jean Beliveau
A gentleman on and off the ice, Jean Beliveau was a cornerstone of one of hockey’s most storied franchises – the Montreal Canadiens. He captained his team to ten Stanley Cup titles in 18 seasons during which he scored an impressive 507 goals and added another 712 assists.
Maurice Richard
Another legend from “Les Habitants”, Maurice Richard is remembered for breaking barriers both as a francophone player who helped put French Canadian players at par with English-speaking Canadians – but also because of changing how impact played a role in the game. His famous “Rocket” nickname wasn’t just for show – by scoring a then-unprecedented 50 goals in one season, he showed that power and speed could be combined to create an unstoppable force on ice.
Sidney Crosby
Sidney Crosby is a modern-day great who has already made an impact in his career. He took the NHL by storm as soon as he entered the league – becoming one of its youngest captains ever and leading his Pittsburgh Penguins to three Stanley Cup titles since 2009. Known for being quick on skates with lightning-fast reflexes, Sid also displays fierce determination that often converts average plays into game-winning moments.
Bobby Hull
“The Golden Jet” Bobby Hull was a dynamic winger who had scoring prowess to spare. He’s famous for his slapshot, which could reach speeds of up to 120 miles per hour! In the rink, he combined speed and strength with unparalleled skill that made him nearly unstoppable on offense. By the time Hull retired in 1980 after playing more than two decades professionally – including winning three Art Ross Trophies as league MVP – there was no doubt that he’d left an indelible mark on hockey history.
Steve Yzerman
Steve Yzerman, nicknamed “The Captain,” led the Detroit Red Wings to three Stanley Cup wins over his 22-year career. He was an offensive force who scored more than a thousand points despite playing in one of hockey’s toughest eras – and he did it all while battling through numerous injuries that would have sidelined many other players. As much as for what he accomplished on ice, Stevie will be remembered by fans everywhere because of how hard he played every single game.
Patrick Roy
Patrick Roy is widely considered as one of the greatest hockey goalies ever. He won four Stanley Cups with two different teams (Montreal Canadiens and Colorado Avalanche), along with three Conn Smythe Trophies – awarded to the playoffs’ most valuable player. Patrick’s ability to anticipate shots, move quickly from side-to-side while still holding his ground for devastating saves set him apart in net: he was simply unstoppable during critical games.
Conclusion
These 10 players are just a few of the many legends that have left an incredible impact on hockey history. Through their skill, determination, and passion for the game they’ve revolutionized how we perceive it – showcasing everything this beloved sport can be. While there will always be debates about who deserves to top any list of greats,it’s impossible not admire each one individually: from Gretzky’s revolutionary focus on passing to Lemieux’s effortless grace and Orr’s daring offensive play.