Hockey is an essential part of Quebec culture. This sport, which has been practiced for more than a hundred years, used to be played with a frozen earth puck on improvised rinks, that is to say, hardened bodies of water. Since then, the sport has evolved considerably. Whether in terms of equipment, techniques, or even rules. Since the last century, many players have made their mark on the history of the sport, whether through excellence or determination.
- Wayne Gretzky
Gretzky is arguably the best hockey player to have played in the NHL. That’s why they call it the great one and the wonder. He broke all the records and got all the honors he could get. He is the only player whose number (99) has been removed from all teams in the league.
- Bobby Orr
Bobby Orr was a defenseman for the Boston Bruins. From the age of 12, he was noticed by the team, for which he played ten seasons. He revolutionized hockey defense. Indeed, he was very aggressive, and his style of play was slightly offensive. That’s why he won the Art Ross Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s top scorer a few times.
- Mario Lemieux
Mario Lemieux is a Quebecer who played for the Pittsburgh Penguins for 17 seasons.
He is one of the few players to have scored more than 500 goals and scored more than 1,000 points. He won two Stanley Cups and several honorary awards. Since 1999, Lemieux is the owner of his team, after avoiding bankruptcy. As an owner, he won three more Stanley Cups.
- Jean Béliveau
Jean Béliveau, or Gros Bill, was one of the most important players for the Montreal Canadiens. He won 10 Stanley cups and played 19 seasons with Montreal. Along with Maurice Richard, he led his team to the Canadiens dynasty by winning five consecutive Stanley Cups.
- Raymond Bourque
Raymond Bourque is a Quebec defenceman who played in the league from 1979 to 2001. He holds several records, as he is one of the best defenders of all time. He scored more than 1,500 points, making him the top scorer for a defenseman. With more than 1,600 games played, his career is quite impressive, as he won the only Stanley Cup of his career in his final season.
- Martin Brodeur
Martin Brodeur is one of Quebec’s top goaltenders. His entire career has been with the New Jersey Devils, and he still holds dozens of records. He has played more than 1,200 games and has collected nearly 700 wins, including more than 100 shutouts.
- Yvan Cournoyer
Nicknamed The Roadrunner, Yvan Cournoyer played for the Canadiens for 16 seasons. It is so-called because of its small size and its high speed. He has had a remarkable career, representing nearly 1,000 games and scoring almost 500 goals. From 1961 to 1979, he inspired thousands of people, not least because of his quickness and quickness. He was forced to end his career because of back surgery.
- Jacques Plante
Jacques Plante revolutionized the goaltending style of play. He was the first to put on a protective mask during an encounter.
Indeed, following a puck received in the face during a game, Plante came out of the game to be treated. Because he wanted to get back to the game, he decided to wear a helmet, which was then reserved for training. At first, everyone laughed at him, but pretty quickly, the other guards started to do the same.