Bobby Orr

Canadian ice hockey defenseman widely considered the greatest of all time, revolutionized the position by leading offensive rushes and winning scoring titles.

Robert Gordon Orr was born in Parry Sound, Ontario in 1948. He is the only defenceman to win the NHL scoring title — doing so twice (1970, 1975). He transformed how the defenceman position was played — his rushing, offensive involvement and end-to-end rushes at a time when defencemen were expected primarily to defend created an entirely new template for the position. He won eight consecutive Norris Trophies (1968–1975) as the NHL's best defenceman. He won three Hart Trophies as MVP (1970, 1971, 1972). He won two Stanley Cup championships with the Boston Bruins (1970, 1972). His 1970 Stanley Cup-winning goal — leaping through the air after scoring against the St. Louis Blues — is the most reproduced image in hockey history. His Calder Trophy as best rookie in 1967 was followed by immediately becoming the best player in hockey by his second season. Chronic knee problems — he underwent six knee surgeries during his career — shortened what should have been a decade-longer career. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1979 and named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in 2017. He is universally recognised as the greatest defenceman in hockey history.

Orr revolutionized defensive play through his exceptional skating ability and end-to-end rushes that turned defense into offense. He possessed remarkable acceleration and agility that allowed him to control the pace of the game from the blue line. His vision and passing ability created scoring opportunities while his fearless style made him effective in all areas of the ice.

Orr fundamentally changed how the defenseman position is played, inspiring generations of offensive-minded defensemen. His style of play became the template for modern NHL defensemen who are expected to contribute significantly to their team's offense.

• Stanley Cup 2x (1970,1972)
• Norris Trophy 8x
• Art Ross Trophy 2x
• Hart Trophy 3x
• Conn Smythe 2x
• Hall of Fame (1979)
• NHL 100 Greatest Players