Want to know who is the world’s best hockey player? Well, we have got just the list for you. In this list, we will look at some of the best players of all time who have dedicated their lives to hockey to become the GOAT.
Top Contenders For ‘World’s Best Hockey Player’ Title
Hockey is a fast-paced game that requires speed and precision. It is the one of the most popular sports in America. Here are some of the biggest contenders for the title of world’s best hockey player. Stick around.
Alex Ovechkin
Anybody who has some knowledge about hockey will surely tell you what kind of player Ovechkin is. Alex’s fans see him not only as one of the finest hockey players in existence but also as one of the best celebrities. Alex made his debut in the National Hockey League, or NHL, back in 2005. The first-ever team was none other than the Washington Capitals. Since then, Movie has led the Capitals to some amazing victories. He has also won the prestigious Maurice Richard Trophy multiple times in the years 2008–09, 2013–16, 2018–19, and 2020. He even won MVP status in the years 2008–09 and 2013. A true contender for the World’s Best Hockey Player title.
Jacques Plante
Plante is probably the only person on this list who literally changed the very face of hockey. He was the man behind popularizing face masks in hockey. Jacques Plante had to receive 21 facial stitches after getting hit in the face by a slapshot. He might not be the hottest hockey players of all time, but he certainly was the baddest. He was the only goalie for his team, and as a result, he had to get back into the game after getting hit in the face. However, he refused to go on to the field without a face mask, and the rest is history. Plante is also known for his stellar performance as a goalie. Plante has a total of seven Vezina Trophies as the best goalie in the league.
Steve Yzerman
This one is for all the Michigan locals out there. But nobody could deny the kind of appeal Steve Yzerman had on the Detroit Red Wings. He has single-handedly transformed an out-of-form team into one of NHL’s fiercest competitors. His journey with the Red Wings is no short of an amazing rags-to-riches story. Because of his tremendous contribution to the Wings’, he has served the longest tenure as a captain. He is an all-rounder and is famous for his levelheaded, calm, and collected leadership.
Terry Sawchuk
There was only one Terry Sawchuk, and nobody ever came close to him. His fans call him the world’s best hockey player and greatest goalie of all time. This GOAT won four Stanley Cups in his 21-year career, three of them with the Red Wings and one with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Apart from this, he has recorded around 447 wins in his career. His record remained unbroken till 2009. According to sources, Sawchuck received 400 facial stitches in his career. Sadly, Sawchuck died horribly in 1970 after a drunken fight with one of his teammates.
Jean Béliveau
Those who know Jean Beliveau and his total Stanley Cups will tell you that he is undoubtedly the world’s best hockey player. He is the only player who has won at least 10 Stanley Cups in the years 1956–60, 1965–66, 1968–69, and 1971 while playing for the Canadiens. After that, he went on to score 507 career goals. He is probably one of the only players who did not have to wait three years to get his place in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Maurice Richard
Maurice ‘The Rocket’ Richard rewrote history with his impeccable performance. He was the first player to reach the 500-goal mark. During his eighteen-year stint with the Montreal Canadiens, Maurice Richard Won a total of 8 Stanley Cups. Maurice Richard had an aggressive play style. In fact, Maurice was even suspended for it, which resulted in widespread riots in Montreal. Because he was lauded as a hero by the French Canadian settlers of Montreal.
Mario Lemieux
Mario Lemieux was built like a beast with a height of 6 feet 4 inches. However, he demonstrated amazing speed and agility. During his 17 years with the Pittsburg Penguins, he managed to secure 2 Stanley Cups. However, he has registered around 690 goals in his career. However, he contracted a disease called Hodgkin Lymphoma disease. Due to the disease, ‘The Magnificient One’ lost several seasons. However, he later returned as a major stakeholder of the team.
Bobby Orr
Bobby Orr is considered to be hockey’s greatest defenseman of all time. This GOAT has won around eight James Noris Memorial Trophies from 1968 to 1975. Later on, he set the record by being the first-ever defenseman to lead the NHL scoring. As a result, he was lauded as the MVP from the year 1970 to 72. Apart from that, he has also won two Stanley Cups.
Gordie Howe
If there is one person who can be called ‘Mr Hockey’ or the ‘God Of Hockey,’ it is none other than Gordie Howie. Howie is the only person with a record of 801 career goals. He has won around four Stanley Cups. Gordie was a man who enjoyed scoring and some fights. Subsequently, he was the only player who played hockey till he was in his 50s. A true GOAT and the world’s best hockey player.
Closing Note
With that, we have reached our article about the world’s best hockey player. From Gordie Howe to Alex Ovechkin, we have looked at some of the best hockey players who have added flair and drama to the game. Keep following us for more hockey related stories.
