This Day in Hockey History
1979 - Bobby Orr inducted into Hall of Fame
The Hockey Hall of Fame announces three inductees, one of which being 31-year-old Bobby Orr.
The legendary defenseman becomes the youngest player to be given the honor, highlighting his accomplishments during his short time in the NHL, but leaving the hockey world wondering "what if?" in terms of the kind of numbers he could have put up over the course of a full-length career.
Here's a look at some of his accomplishment:
- 270 goals, 645 assists in 657 career games
- All-time point per game leader for a defenseman (1.39)
- Calder Trophy winner (1967)
- 8-time Norris Trophy winner
- 3-time Hart Trophy winner
- 2-time Art Ross Trophy winner
- 2-time Stanley Cup Champion / Conn Smythe Trophy winner
Henri Richard is also inducted into the Hall of Fame after posting 358 goals and 688 assists in 1259 career games and winning the Stanley Cup a record 11 times as a player.
1985 - Lemieux wins the Calder
Mario Lemieux of the Pittsburgh Penguins wins the Calder Trophy as the League's top rookie in 1984-85 after scoring 43 goals and adding 57 assists in 73 games.
His first goal is quite memorable, stealing the puck off Boston Bruins defenseman Ray Bourque for a breakaway opportunity, making no mistake on his first career shot.
Similar to Orr, Lemieux's career is shortened, as he is limited to 915 total games after being diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease.
He does, however, build off a successful rookie year to become one of the greatest players of all-time, finishing up with 690 goals and 1033 assists.
Birthdays
1912 - Bill Cowley
1969 - Mathieu Schneider
1977 - Wade Redden