Canada is a solid sports country. We’re good at a number of athletic codes, but hockey is our game. Not only did we invent it, we’ve worked to build it, market it, and innovate it. The passion has run deep for decades, and while many others from around the world have joined in, the enthusiasm for the game in the Great White North is unmatched.
Today, we’re diving into the 7 Best Hockey Players of All Time—at least, according to what we think! While hockey history is full of legends, this list reflects our perspective on the icons who’ve left an undeniable mark on the sport. Let’s celebrate the talent, determination, and unforgettable moments they’ve brought to the rink.
Redefining Passion: The Unmatched Love for Ice Hockey in the Great White North
In this blog, we’ve celebrated some of the most iconic Canadians who have played in the National Hockey League (NHL) and made their mark. While they’re Canadians first and foremost, they’ve achieved remarkable global milestones. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the most legendary Stanley Cup champs, Hall of Famers, and record-breakers.
Wayne Gretzky – The Great One
At the top of almost every hockey best-of list (and many records) is The Great One, Wayne Gretzky. Only one of the best playmakers in the game, he’s also known as one of the best playmakers in sports history.
🏆Achievements: Most points in NHL history, four-time Stanley Cup champion
At the time of retirement, Gretzky held or shared 61 different NHL records. He still holds the records for most points, goals, and assists.
Mario Lemieux – The Magnificent One
Lemieux was a very different player than Gretzky but delivered similar results. He was bigger and more powerful but still had similar creativity and playmaking skills. He had health scares that he had to overcome, so it might not be fair to do a complete end-to-end career comparison with some other players.
🏆Achievements: Two-time Stanley Cup champion, multiple scoring titles, comeback after health battles
However, he still ranks second in points-per-game (0.754), which illustrates just how effective he was on the ice.
Bobby Orr – The Ultimate Defenseman
Bobby Orr is often referred to as the best defenseman in NHL history. Defensemen were mostly stay-at-home, protect-first, attack-second in his era, but he changed all that.
🏆Achievements: Two-time Hart Trophy winner, eight-time Norris Trophy winner, Stanley Cup champion
Orr jumped up into the play unlike anyone had ever seen before, proving that defensemen can be extremely effective offensive weapons. He won the scoring title (Art Ross) twice in his career and remains the only defensemen to ever do it.
Gordie Howe – Mr. Hockey
Mr. Hockey’s stats are simply incredible. He played in the NHL for 26 seasons and was named to the All-Star team 23 times.
🏆Achievements: Four-time Stanley Cup champion, six-time Hart Trophy winner
Many players wish to have a 23-year career, let alone be an All-Star that many times.
Patrick Roy – The Dominant Goalie
Roy is pretty much unanimously viewed as the best goaltender of all time. He’s won the NHL’s Most Valued Player (MVP) award (Conn Smythe) three times; no other player has ever done that.
🏆Achievements: Four-time Stanley Cup champion, three-time Vezina Trophy winner
He also played his best when it mattered the most – in the playoffs. No other goaltender has more playoff wins than Roy’s 151.
Jean Béliveau – The Elegant Centre
Jean Beliveau was a gentleman off the ice, but on the ice, he was a cold killer. Well, it wouldn’t feel like that personally, but when you looked at the scoreboard, it just so happened his team was the one winning more often than not.
🏆Achievements: 10-time Stanley Cup champion, two-time Hart Trophy winner
He starred in the Montreal Canadiens’ dynasty and ended his career as a 10-time Stanley Cup champion.
Sidney Crosby – The Modern Icon
Sid The Kid is one of the best modern-day hockey players, and he’s definitely up there on the Mount Rushmore of Pittsburgh Penguins. He’ll forever be etched in Canadian lore for scoring the overtime winner in the gold medal game at the 2010 Winter Olympics.
🏆Achievements: Two-time Stanley Cup champion, multiple scoring titles, and Olympic gold medals
Those Games were hosted by Canada, so for Crosby to score the Golden Goal in front of an arena packed of supporters was a tremendously proud moment for the country.
Who are the True Hockey Kings of Canada? Have Your Say
The hockey roots in Canada run ever deeper. Many Canadians have made legendary moments playing the game, and many more will continue to make the country proud. The players here are just a handful of the many great players who have made a mark on the game. Who do you think should be on this list (or added to it if it were longer)? If you have a player that you think should be added, let us know!
