Grant Fuhr

Five-time Stanley Cup champion — the greatest goalie of the 1980s and the first Black player in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Grant Scott Fuhr was born in Spruce Grove, Alberta in 1962. Edmonton Oilers selected him eighth overall in the 1981 NHL Draft. He spent the core of his career as the goalie for the greatest offensive team in hockey history — the Edmonton Oilers dynasty. He won five Stanley Cup championships (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990). He won the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's best goaltender in 1988. He was the first Black player inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame when he was enshrined in 2003. He was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in 2017. His goals-against average was higher than other great goaltenders of his era — reflecting the extraordinary number of shots the Oilers conceded through his aggressive offensive style — but his ability to make saves in critical moments was extraordinary. He was suspended in 1990 after acknowledging substance abuse. He played professional hockey until age 37.

Fuhr was renowned for his exceptional reflexes and ability to remain composed during high-pressure situations in an era of prolific offensive play. He possessed outstanding lateral movement and quick glove hand, making spectacular saves look effortless while maintaining perfect positioning.

Fuhr broke barriers as one of the first Black stars in the NHL and proved that goaltenders could thrive in high-scoring systems by focusing on making key saves at crucial moments.

• Stanley Cup 5x (1984,1985,1987,1988,1990)
• Vezina Trophy (1988)
• Hall of Fame (2003)
• NHL 100 Greatest Players