The NHL's Tough and Classy Players

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Jun 1, 2009

The NHL's Tough and Classy Players

Bobby Orr

In our third look at tough and rugged players of the past and present (see links below), we present 10 more who bring a notable touch of class to their games and lives. <br><br>From 1966-79, Orr transformed the game with his speed, grace and offense from the defenseman's position, shattering scoring records. He was a ferocious checker, shot-blocker and fighter when challenged. The winner of two Stanley Cups, Orr in 1970 became the first player to earn the Hart (MVP), Norris (top defenseman), Ross (scoring) and Smythe (playoff MVP) trophies in the same season. Small wonder many consider him to be the greatest player of all time.

Brendan Shanahan

One of only two active players with more than 500 goals and 2,000 penalty minutes, the power forward and respected leader was a member of three Stanley Cup teams in Detroit. He's also noted for his quiet charity work -- he won the 2003 King Clancy Trophy for his leadership and humanitarian efforts.

Mario Lemieux

Super Mario earned his nickname with two Stanley Cups, six scoring titles, three Hart and two Smythes from 1984-2006. His 1992-93 season interrupted by Hodgkin's lymphoma, he still led the NHL in scoring -- with 160 points in only 60 games. He later won the Hart and Ross trophies in 1995-96 after missing a year. His Mario Lemieux Foundation helps fight cancer, and he also saved hockey in Pittsburgh by buying the financially struggling Penguins in 1999.

Steve Yzerman

The legendary captain led the Red Wings to three Cups during his 22 seasons in Detroit, scored 692 career goals and earned the Smythe (1998) and Selke trophies (best two-way forward, 2000). Battling injuries through the 2001-02 Cup campaign, he needed eight months of rehab after knee surgery, but came back to win the Masterton Trophy for perseverance and dedication in 2002-03. He now serves as Detroit's VP and will head Team Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Mark Messier

Revered by teammates -- an NHL award for leadership bears his name -- the steely Hall of Fame center won six Cups, two Harts, two Pearson awards (MVP as chosen by NHL players) and the Smythe during his 25-year career. "Mark has done so much for the game of hockey and taught so many of our young players," Wayne Gretzky said upon Messier's retirement in 2005. "He was an exceptional leader who was unselfish, hard-working and dedicated. He truly loved the game."

Bryan Trottier

Arguably the finest two-way forward of his time, the tough but skillful Hall of Fame center won four straight Cups with the Islanders (1980-84) and scored 1,425 points during his 18-year career. His mantelpiece includes the Calder, Ross, Hart, and Smythe trophies as well as the King Clancy for his work on behalf of Special Olympics, Easter Seals and Make-A-Wish, among others.

Vincent Lecavalier

"Not only is Vincent one of the most dynamic players in the NHL, he's one of the classiest people you'll ever meet off the ice," Lightning GM Brian Lawton has said of the man who led Tampa Bay to the Cup in 2004 and whose name is on a pediatric cancer care center in St. Petersburg, FL. A gifted scorer and team captain, Lecavalier is unafraid to drop the gloves -- he's fought heavyweights Jarome Iginla and Zdeno Chara -- or take criticism. He refused to make excuses for his sub-par 2008-09 while battling the effects of shoulder surgery, trade rumors and team turmoil.

Adam Graves

During his 16 years in the NHL, Graves was known for smarts, grit and charity. Skillful in the bruising traffic around the crease, the winger scored 52 goals for the Rangers' Stanley Cup team in 1993-94, playing the first round of the playoffs with a 10-stitch cut above his right and a busted nose. He won the the '94 King Clancy and 2001 Masterton for his leadership, dedication and work on behalf of abused kids and numerous other causes.

Ian Laperriere

A prized pest and roughneck agitator, Laperriere is hailed by peers and fans alike as one of the NHL's finest fellows. A revealing tale: Last season, while fighting Chicago's Colin Fraser, Laperriere wrapped his arm around the helmetless Fraser's head to prevent his foe from suffering a concussion as they fell to the ice. A 15-year veteran, Laperriere devotes much time to charities for kids in the Colorado area.

George Parros

No, he isn't a punch line. How many enforcers have a 3.16 GPA and an economics degree from Princeton? Parros was actually the Ducks' 2009 Masterton nominee -- sportsmanship is part of the criteria -- after leading them with 23 fighting majors but no misconducts or instigator penalties. The shaggy winger also sponsors his annual Cut For Kids to benefit the Childhood Leukemia Foundation -- donating his shorn locks to help provide hairpieces to sick kids who've lost their hair.