10 Best Professional Hockey Players

Professional hockey is a physical, fast paced, exciting sport, and the 10 best professional hockey players are an example of the intensity it takes to play this rigorius game. There are few sports that are as challenging to become one of the best players in than hockey. The road to becoming one the best hockey player of all time usually entails extraordinary skill and many injuries. These hockey players are the definition of toughness.

1. Wayne Gretzky. When discussing the ten best professional hockey players, it is impossible for Mr. Gretzky's name to not come up. His name is synonymous with hockey.. He earned this reputation by blowing away his competitors in all areas and setting records that haven't been broken in decades. He holds the nickname “The Great One” due to his dominance over his peers.
2. Gordie Howe. There are several factors that indicate that a player is one of the ten best hockey players. One of those indicators is an amazing 34 year career, that spans from 1946 to 1980. Gordie Howe still holds the nickname “Mr. Hockey” due to his amazing career. The longevity of his astounding career his compounded by that he was reaching milestones at age 40.
3. Guy Lefluer. In professional sports and in particular hockey fans like to be entertained with likeable players. Mr. Lefleur offered so much flair that he was granted the nickname “Flower” by his fans. His impressive career. He still holds the title as all time leading Canadian scorer as well as being inducted into the hockey hall of fame in 1988.
4. Howie Morenz. This early superstar was given the name “ The Babe Ruth” of hockey. His charisma during that time period is a thing of legends. He definitely deserves to be listed as one of the ten best professional hockey players and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of fame in 1945.
5. Bobby Orr. When mentioning the ten best professional hockey players Mr. Orr's name is often at the top of the list. He was considered one of the most all around players in the game. He holds the distinction of being the only defenseman to hold the Art Ross trophy 35 years after retirement.
6. Maurice Richards. No list of the ten best professional hockey players would be complete without the “Rocket”. He was an unstoppable force on the field due to the fact that he was a team player. His skills on the ice made him a fan favorite throughout his career. Canadian fans were in deep mourning when he passed in 2000.
7. Mario Lemieux. When discussing the ten best professional hockey players only one player has the distinction of winning the Stanley cup as a player and an owner. He is often noted for the various health maladies that plagued him throughout his career. The Mario Lemieux foundation was founded to raise funds for cancer and neonatal research due to his battle with cancer.
8. Mark Messier. Affectionately named “The Moose” by fans and teammates, Mark Messier is a hockey champion. He is the only athlete in any sport to serve as team captain for two different championship teams. His talents transcended hockey and he is now considered one of the best athletes of all times.
9. Jacques Plante. “Jake the Snake” Plante was considered one of the best goaltenders in the game. He was one of the most effective in his craft during his 22 year career. He is considered instrumental in the utilization of masks for goaltenders. His contributions solidifies his standing as one of the ten best professional hockey players.
10. Doug Harvey. When a defenseman receives seven Norris trophies and six Stanley cup wins. This defenseman was elected into the Hall of Fame in 1973. He made the most of an excellent 33 year career. He reigns supreme as one of the ten best professional hockey players.

Hockey is a sport that involves emotion, grit, determination and leadership. These players top the list of the ten best professional hockey players because of their contribution both on and off the ice. Some of these athletes were superstars before the age of “stars”, while others shattered records. These great players created lasting memories for many fans.