The Most Famous Canadian Hockey Player, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the player you think is the most famous!

Updated on Apr 21, 2024 08:05

Hockey holds a distinguished spot in Canadian culture, often seen as more than just a sport but a national treasure that unites and excites. Debates about who stands out as the most famous Canadian hockey player are common among enthusiasts. Ranking these players isn’t just about recognizing skill and achievements, but also about celebrating the impact they've had both on and off the ice. Here, every vote is a voice, contributing to the creation of a dynamic list that reflects the opinions and passions of fans across the nation and beyond. By participating, users have the unique opportunity to influence the live standings and see how their preferences align with others. Such engagement not only adds depth to the discussion but also enriches the community’s connection to the sport.

Who Is the Most Famous Canadian Hockey Player?

1

66
votes
Wayne Gretzky

Wayne Gretzky - often called "The Great One," Gretzky is widely considered the greatest hockey player of all time. He holds numerous NHL records and led the Edmonton Oilers to four Stanley Cup wins.
Wayne Gretzky in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous NHL player
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Canadian of all time
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous person in the Hall of Fame
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous New York Rangers player
2

37
votes
Aaron Frutman · CC BY 2.0

Bobby Orr

Orr revolutionized the role of defensemen in hockey and won two Stanley Cups with the Boston Bruins. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NHL history.
Bobby Orr in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Boston Bruins player
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous NHL player
3

26
votes
Rick Dikeman · CC BY-SA 3.0

Mario Lemieux

Lemieux was a dominant force in the NHL during the 1990s and won two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He is also a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Mario Lemieux in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Pittsburgh Penguin
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous NHL player
4

18
votes

Maurice "Rocket" Richard

Richard was the first player in NHL history to score 50 goals in a season and was a key player on the Montreal Canadiens team that won eight Stanley Cups in the 1940s and 1950s.
5

19
votes
Michael Miller · CC BY-SA 4.0

Sidney Crosby

Crosby has won three Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins and is regarded as one of the best players of his generation. He has also won numerous individual awards, including two Hart Trophies as the NHL's most valuable player.
Sidney Crosby in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous person in Nova Scotia
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Pittsburgh Penguin
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous NHL player
6

6
votes
Arnie Lee · CC BY 3.0

Gordie Howe

Howe played for 26 seasons in the NHL and is one of the most durable and versatile players in league history. He won four Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972.
Gordie Howe in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Detroit Red Wings player
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous NHL player
7

4
votes

US Embassy Canada · CC BY 2.0

Jean Béliveau

Béliveau won ten Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NHL history. He was also known for his leadership and sportsmanship.
8

10
votes
Brendan Lee · CC BY 2.0

Mark Messier

Messier won six Stanley Cups during his career and is regarded as one of the greatest leaders in NHL history. He was also a prolific scorer and won two Hart Trophies as the NHL's most valuable player.
Mark Messier in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous New York Rangers player
9

6
votes
Newsker93 · CC BY-SA 3.0

Doug Gilmour

Gilmour was a key player on the Calgary Flames team that won the Stanley Cup in 1989 and had a successful career with several other teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs. He is also a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Doug Gilmour in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Toronto Maple Leafs player
10

7
votes
Don Bigileone · CC BY 2.0

Steve Yzerman

Yzerman spent his entire career with the Detroit Red Wings and won three Stanley Cups. He was also a key player on the Canadian national team, winning Olympic gold in 2002. He is currently the general manager of the Red Wings.
Steve Yzerman in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Detroit Red Wings player

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Ranking factors for famous player

Achievements

The number of awards won during their career such as Stanley Cups, Olympic medals, Hart Trophies, Art Ross Trophies, Conn Smythe Trophies and others.
Statistical records

The players' statistics are a vital factor to take into account. These can include goals, assists, points, plus/minus rating, and other stats that showcase their ability on the ice.
Longevity

The length of the player’s career, and the consistency of their impact over that time should also be taken into account.
Influence on the game

The impact that a player has had on the game of hockey, both on and off the ice, can also be considered.
Public perception

The public's perception and continued support, admiration and love of a player can also be an indication of their fame and influence.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Canadian hockey player. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or player is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1984 views
200 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each player once every 24 hours. The rank of each player is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous canadian hockey player

Hockey is a national sport of Canada and has been a significant part of Canadian culture for over a century. With a number of famous hockey players hailing from the country, it is difficult to determine who the most famous Canadian hockey player is. Canada has produced legendary players such as Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Bobby Orr, who have all made significant contributions to the sport. However, the question of who is the most famous Canadian hockey player remains a topic of debate among hockey enthusiasts. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most popular contenders for this title and explore their achievements on and off the ice.