The National Hockey League has seen some tremendous and remarkable athletes over the years, but no player ever exemplified greatness quite like warm-hearted hockey star and Montreal Canadiens legend, Jean Beliveau. Beliveau was one of the greatest players of all time and was a cornerstone of the Montreal Canadiens from 1951-1971.
A native of Quebec, Canada, Beliveau’s hockey career began at the tender age of 16. Already 6’3 and a gifted skater, he quickly attracted attention and eventually signed with the Quebec Amateur Senior Hockey League in 1947. After two exceptional seasons with the Quebec League, Beliveau signed with the Montreal Canadiens in the National Hockey League.
At the start of his NHL career, Beliveau proved to be even better than scouts and fans had imagined. In his first season, he scored 32 goals and had 28 assists in 60 games. He went on to lead the Montreal Canadiens to ten Stanley Cup championships as a player and seven more as an executive with the Canadiens.
As Beliveau’s career progressed, he not only increased his prowess on the ice but expanded the definition of hockey mores and etiquette. He consistently acted with an unwavering level of respect and sportsmanship, gaining admiration from both opponents and fellow players alike. He generously donated money and time to charities and community organizations and always represented the Montreal Canadiens with exemplary poise.
When Jean Beliveau’s career with the National Hockey League ended in 1971, he managed to leave a booming legacy. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972 and was awarded the Order of Canada in 1998. He ended up as one of the most decorated players in NHL history, having won 10 Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens, five Art Ross Trophies for most points in a single season, two Hart Memorial Trophies for MVP, and one Conn Smythe Trophy for MVP of the playoffs. He had a career total of 1,219 points (507 goals, 712 assists) in 1,125 games.
Jean Beliveau won a record ten Stanley Cups as a player for the Montreal Canadiens. He won an additional seven cups as an executive. Not Bad.
After his retirement in 1971 the Montreal Canadiens retired his number 4 jersey and raised it to the Montreal Forum rafters. This is the ultimate honor that a team can bestow upon a player. Well deserved Jean. Jean Beliveau passed away on December 2, 2014 and more than anything, he will always be remembered as a champion on and off the ice. Not only was he a beloved and respected member of the Montreal Canadiens and the National Hockey League, but he was an icon of Canada and embodied a passion for the game that has no equal. He was truly a giant in the world of hockey, and will forever be remembered as one of the greatest hockey legends of all time.
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