Canadian · Victoriaville, Canada · Born 31 August 1931Canadian ice hockey centre who won 10 Stanley Cups with Montreal Canadiens and is considered one of the greatest NHL players of all time.
Jean Arthur Béliveau was born in Trois-Rivières, Quebec in 1931. He won ten Stanley Cup championships with the Montreal Canadiens — the most by any player except Henri Richard. He won two Hart Trophies and the first-ever Conn Smythe Trophy for playoffs MVP. He scored 507 goals and 712 assists in 1,125 regular season games. His elegance — he was 6ft 3in and skated with exceptional grace — and his character as a gentleman of the game made him the most respected figure in NHL history. The Montreal Canadiens retired his number 4. He was offered the position of Governor-General of Canada in 1994 — he declined. He died in 2014.
He won a record ten Stanley Cup championships as a player with the Montreal Canadiens.
How They Played
Béliveau combined exceptional size and strength with remarkable skill and hockey intelligence, making him a complete two-way center. His long reach and powerful shot made him dangerous in the offensive zone, while his leadership qualities and defensive awareness made him invaluable in all situations.
Lasting Impact
Béliveau set the standard for what a hockey captain should be, embodying class, leadership, and excellence both on and off the ice. His influence extended beyond playing, as he continued to serve as an ambassador for the Montreal Canadiens and the sport of hockey throughout his life.
Career Honours
- Stanley Cup 10x (Montreal)
- NHL MVP 2x
- NHL scoring champion
- Hall of Fame 1972
| Team | Period | GP | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montreal Canadiens | 1953–1971 | 1125 | 507 |
Canadian Athletes