40+ Greatest Hockey Players That Rewrote NHL History
Sid Abel: Deceased At 81, Won 3 Championships
To be named among the greatest NHL players the world has ever seen is no mean feat, but Sid Abel managed to effortlessly etch his name in history books. The center position player plied his trade for a couple of teams in the league, winning the championship three times with the Detroit Red Wings.
So good was Abel that the Red Wings retired his jersey after the player left the club. The hockey star’s achievements didn’t end there, though; he became a successful manager after hanging his boots from active playing, leading his teams to several championship finals.
Andy Bathgate: Deceased At 83, Won 1 Championship
It isn’t easy to sustain a career in a combative sport like hockey, but Andy Bathgate managed to do so for a remarkable 17 seasons. While the right-wing played for several teams in the league like the New York Rangers, it was with the Toronto Maple Leafs where he enjoyed the best time of his career, leading the club to a Stanley Championship.
Bathgate retired from the sport in 1975 and tried his hand in coaching before quitting the rink for good. While the prolific scorer passed on in 2016, his involvement and impact in the game will forever be remembered.
Jean Beliveau: Deceased At 83, Won 17 Championships
Among the most successful players in NHL history is Jean Beliveau, who, with his 17 championships, ten as a player and seven as a team executive, holds the record for the most trophies won. No other player has been able to beat that record, with all the awards coming while he played for the Montreal Canadiens.
With over 1000 games and 507 goals, Jean’s career was nothing but sensational. After his retirement, the legendary player opted to stay away from the public eye, declining numerous appointments to his native Canada’s public service posts before his demise in 2014.
Max Bentley: Deceased At 63, Won 3 Championships
Famous for his speed and passing skills, Max Bentley was a creative forward who had a majorly successful stint in the NHL, scoring goals for several teams like Chicago Black Hawks and Toronto Maple Leafs, leading the latter to three championships.
Bentley was unplayable at the peak of his career, with opponents shivering in their helmets whenever they saw him on the rink. Also, did you know that the star played with four of his brothers in the same team? Nothing beats a family of sportsmen, and it is only fair that with the victories the forward had, he got inducted to the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Syl Apps: Deceased At 83, Won 3 Championships
From participating in pole vault competitions to becoming one of the most revered hockey players in history, Syl Apps athleticism was one of a kind. The player began his sporting career in track events, representing his native Canada in the 1936 Olympics before a coach spotted and recruited him to hockey.
As Apps made 423 appearances in the sport, the decision paid off, with most of them coming for the Toronto Maple Leafs, winning three championships with them. Famous for his strong character and leadership qualities, the star held a political position in his country as the Member of Provincial Parliament in Ontario. What a lad this guy was!