There are many players in NHL history who have influenced the game here and there, but one whose legacy still lives on today is Jacques Plante. Jacques Plante was a phenomenal goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens, with his career ranging from 1952-’53 to 1974-’75. The moment he is famous for was one game when he got hit in the face with a shot. Back then, goalies didn’t use facemasks, until this game. He had to get stitches, but he got back onto the ice. With that game, he changed hockey history. Another one of the most well-known players in the NHL is Jaromir Jagr. Jagr is currently playing for the Florida Panthers and is the oldest player still playing in the NHL at the age of 44. Jagr played well, but recently got knocked out of the playoffs
... milestone game in 1980, hockey in the United States has grown significantly at the professional and amateur levels. (USA Hockey, N.d.)
Wayne Gretzky’s Impact on Hockey Wayne Gretzky played a huge role in hockey history. He was a role model for many people who watched the NHL and played hockey across America as well as in Canada. His early years and determination led him to where he is today. All of his hard work throughout his life paid off in his great success over his career. Gretzky was the greatest hockey player ever to play in the NHL, his integrity and persistence set the bar for many players today and also influenced the way the game was played.
Wayne Gretzky Not many people can argue that Wayne Gretzky dominated the game every time he stepped on the ice. No player is rewarded the name, "The Great One", for no reason, and he has proven that since his first year in the NHL. Wayne Gretzky is by far, the greatest Canadian hockey player of all time. He holds the record for the most goals, assists, and overall points for both the regular season and the playoffs; he has won over 20 trophies throughout his career, and within his team(s) brought home four Stanley Cup wins, and three Canadian Cup championships.
For many years now, my biggest influencer has been Roberto Clemente, who played Major League Baseball in the 60’s and 70’s. Roberto Walker Clemente was born the youngest of seven children to Melchor and Luisa Clemente in Puerto Rico on August 18, 1934. Although growing up poor in Barrio San Anton in Carolina, he was happy and remained very close to his family and to his country and its inhabitants throughout his entire life. Roberto was an industrious young man and worked various odd jobs including milk delivery. He began playing baseball with his brothers and friends and was eventually signed for forty dollars a month by a professional hardball team in the Puerto Rican town of Santurce. His natural ability got him recognized by a Dodger scout and he was signed in 1954 to a minor league team in Montreal. His
The “Moffatt Stick,” maybe the world’s oldest known hockey stick, was in the news a couple of years ago when its owner, Mark Presley of Berwick, NS, sold it to the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec for $300,000.
People consider the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team to be one of the greatest things to happen in U.S Olympic history. Their game against the Soviets is known as "The Miracle on Ice." The world was stunned when the United States defeated the Soviets in the semi-final game of the 1980 Olympics. The Soviets hadn't been beaten in the gold medal game in years. This miracle game is still greatly known around the world and will not be forgotten by Americans any time soon.
Pierre Trudeau is the greatest Canadian of the twentieth century due to the fact that he declared Canada’s independence from Great Britain, he abolished the death penalty, and he created the Official Languages Act, making our nation entirely bilingual.
The most memorable moment in hockey history came thirty-four years ago with the 1980 Miracle on Ice. The Americans defeating the dominant Soviet team at the Olympics was not only an important triumph for USA Hockey, but for the entire nation. Contrary to popular belief, the underdog win was not only the result of a miracle; it was also the result of a hard-working team led by Coach Herb Brooks. With increasingly negative views on the position of the United States in the Cold War, the Miracle on Ice and the gold medal win lifted the spirits of the nation and brought hockey into the American spotlight.
Soon after, Babe changed the game of baseball. Ruth is perhaps the most recognized player in Major league Baseball history. Where he was, the fans followed, the attendance was always the greatest in his presence. He is by far America?s greatest sports hero. Aside from being a great ball player, he was also a husband and a father. He cared more for his family than he liked to show.
player of all time, but a great person, die in the form of George Herman “Babe”
Maurice Richard was the hero of the French Canadian people and his dedication to his game was no different from the dedication to his family and his work and his love for the French Canadian people. He went on to win many awards in hockey and in his personal life that honored him as the role model for all French Canadian.
About a year ago, I had the privilege of listening to Fred Sasakamoose, the first Aboriginal NHL player. Fred came to my work, Cosmopolitan industries (where individuals with disabilities come to work), to talk to the participants. Truthfully, before Fred came to talk to us, I had this perceived notion about what aboriginal individuals were like from my family, friends and the media. I thought this guy was going to tell some boring story on how everyone did not believe him and blah blah blah. I also had the assumption that he was not going to have much of a story to tell because he probably did not get to play much. However, something changed for me. The participants were extremely excited to be able to meet a NHL player. It did not matter
Though there were many athletes that fit into this category, George Herman Ruth (better known as Babe Ruth) was undoubtedly one of the most influential. Born on February 7, 1894 in Baltimore, Maryland to a very busy family, the only thing that kept Babe’s spirits high was baseball. “I think I could hit the first time I picked up a bat”, Ruth said. His parents spent the majority of their time managing their family business, a popular saloon. “I was a bum when I was a kid”, said Babe, and his parents agreed. At age 7, Babe Ruth’s parents sent him to St. Mary’s Industrial School for Boys. At St. Mary’s, Babe spent all of his free time playing baseball and perfecting his pitching. Jack Dunn, owner of the semi professional Baltimore Orioles, offered Babe a position within hours of watching him play. At 19, Babe signed a contract with the Orioles. Within 3 months he was sold to the Boston Red Sox as a pitcher, and showed promising skills at the plate. In 1919, he broke the modern major league record with 25 home runs! By the end of the season, he had hit 29. In D...
Babe Ruth (George Herman Ruth) has always been known as one of the greatest baseball players this world has ever seen. When he started his career as a Major League Baseball player everyone could tell that he was going to be an original. What he is most remembered for is his incredible ability to smash a ball out of the park or hit the wall every time he came up to bat. Ruth is considered to be one of the greatest baseball legends ever to step to the plate, breaking and keeping many records and establishing him as one of the many top baseball legends to live.
While he was never able to reach his true potential as the greatest baseball player of all time due to injuries, Ken Griffey left an indelible legacy. He revolutionized the game with his rare combo of speed and power, as well as his unbelievable fielding ability. Off the field he was one of the most marketable athletes of all time. He single handedly saved baseball in the city of Seattle, and was one of the few stars to avoid all steroid controversy. While some choose to remember simply for his unrealized promise, most will admire his incredible ability, lofty accomplishments, and clean reputation. He will always be viewed as a sports hero and icon, and for this reason, he is a legendary athlete.