Some NHL Champion Players
Howe, Gordie (Mr. Hockey) (born 1928). Born in Floral, Sask. Right wing, Detroit Red Wings 1946-71. With effortless style and devastating elbows, became six-time winner of Art Ross and Hart trophies. First Hall of Famer to play after retirement, joined sons, Mark and Marty, on WHA's Houston Aeros. Scored 1,000th goal with New England (Hartford) Whalers 1977.
Lemieux, Mario (born 1965). Born in Montreal, Que. Center, Pittsburgh Penguins 1984-. In 1988-89 season set NHL record for shorthanded goals (13), became his team's all-time leader in assists.
Mikita, Stan (born 1940). Born Stanislav Gvoth in Czechoslovakia, to Canada in 1948. Center, Chicago Blackhawks 1959-80. One of hockey's "dirtiest" players for seven seasons, cleaned up image to become only player to win Triple Crown (three major trophies in one season, 1966-67, repeated 1967-68).
Orr, Bobby (born 1948). Born in Parry Sound, Ont. Defenseman, Boston Bruins 1966-76. Inaugurated rushing style for defensemen. First major player to employ an agent. Set defense records for goals (46), assists (102), and points (139). Blackhawks coach 1976-77. Damaged knees forced retirement.
Richard, Maurice (The Rocket) (born 1921). Born in Montreal, Que. Forward, Montreal Canadiens 1942-60. Ambidextrous and hot-tempered, first player to score 50 goals (50-game season). Suspension from 1955 play-offs for hitting an official ignited a riot. Slashed Achilles tendon ended injury-plagued career.
Vezina, Georges (Chicoutimi Cucumber) (1888-1926). Born in Chicoutimi, Que. Goalie, Montreal Canadiens 1910-25. Allowed an overall average of only 3.45 goals per game in the maskless era that limited goalies to standup play. Never missed a game until 1925-26 season, when he was felled by tuberculosis.
Produced by Price Paramore
