As I’ve mentioned before, when we were young kids, we all had our favorite players and we had high expectations of them. We tried everything to be like them. We badly wanted to be like them. Today, I thought I would like to discuss why I loved the players I loved.
Keep in mind, this is only a sampling of the players I liked. Keeping that in mind, let’s get to the list of my players in no particular order. I did not focus on the Maple Leafs, Canadiens, or Islanders. This was not focused on a specific team. Here is my first one.
Bobby Orr
Although I disliked Bobby because of my Maple Leafs connection, I love him for his exceptional playing ability. There’s no little doubt that he is the best defenceman ever in the NHL. Sorry, all the Oilers fans (Paul Coffie), but there is no doubt in my mind that Bobby is the standard everyone has to live up to.
I could mention that Bobby had six 100-point seasons, but I won’t. I could mention the eight James Norris Trophies he won, but I won’t. In fact, there are way too many trophies to mention: the Hart Memorial, Conn Smythe, Art Ross, Lester B. Pearson, and the Calder Memorial, so I won’t.
I could tell you that his greatest season (1970-71), he had 139 points, including 37 goals and 102 assists. The most goals he achieved in one season (1974-75) was 46. Those are crazy numbers for a defenceman. He was one of the best rush skating defensemen I have ever seen. He was plus minus 124 in the 70-71 season. Can you imagine being on the ice with 124 goals scored more than being scored on? That is an incredible stat.
Greatest Moment
Bobby Orr’s greatest moment is undoubtedly scoring the goal while being tripped up to win the Stanley Cup. May 10, 1970, scoring the goal on Glen Hall. Noel Picard will go down in history as the player who tripped Bobby Orr on the winning goal of the Cup.
The Person He Was
Bobby Orr will always be remembered as one of the greatest players of all time. There is no denying that. He was also known for his work in charities. Particularly, the March of Dimes and Cerebral Palsy charities. His compassion for mankind is well known. Generally, he is a terrific person in and out.
Final Word
I was always a huge fan of Mr. Orr and his one-man rush from end to end. He and Phil Esposito were a deadly combination with 291 combined points. Bobby was one of the best passers in the game. His ability to find the open man was legendary. Orr was simply the best.
Randy
