50 Greatest Hockey Nicknames of All Time

The right nickname tells you everything you need to know about a hockey player.

What’s in a name? When you’re born, nothing, really. That name is given, not earned.

But a nickname? The right nickname tells you all you need to know about a person.

Here are the best — and most telling — hockey nicknames in history.

50. Francis ‘King’ Clancy

King Clancy with the Maple Leafs. Wikimedia

Born: Feb. 25, 1902, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Died: Nov. 10, 1986 (aged 84), in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

NHL career: 16 years (1921-37)

Teams: Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs

Bottom line: The original “King” Clancy was actually a football star.

“In those days (around 1896) of Canadian football, the ball wasn’t snapped from center as it is today,” Clancy told biographer Brian McFarlane. “Instead, the center would stand upright and from this position he would ‘heel’ it back to the quarterback. My dad was a master of this art and somewhere along the line, he picked up the nickname ‘King of the Heelers.’ “

The son surpassed the father and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1958.

49. Luc ‘Lucky’ Robitaille

Luc Robitaille won one Stanley Cup in his career. Reed Saxon / AP Photo

Born: Feb. 17, 1966, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada

NHL career: 19 years (1986-2006)

Teams: Los Angeles Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings

Bottom line: Named after the “Lucky Luke’ cartoons that he watched as a child, Robitaille’s “luck” didn’t run out in the NHL, where the winger’s knack for being in the right place at the right time led to 668 career NHL goals.

And he did it all with a big smile.

“If you could bottle and sell that smile you would make millions,” said Mike Murphy, who coached Robitaille during his Calder Trophy-winning campaign. “And the only thing quicker than his smile is his shot.”

48. Walter ‘Turk’ Broda

Turk Broda won 304 games in his career. Art Everett / AP Photo

Born: May 15, 1914, in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada

Died: Oct. 17, 1972 (aged 58), in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

NHL career: 14 years (1936-52)

Teams: Toronto Maple Leafs

Bottom line: We can thank an English king for this nickname.

When Walter Broda was in grade school, a teacher noted that an English king had been called “Turkey Egg” because of the freckles dotting his round face. A classmate pointed out that the freckled Walter also resembled a turkey egg. From then on, Broda was called “Turkey Egg,” which eventually evolved to “Turk.”

The goaltender was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1967 after leading the Maple Leafs to five Stanley Cup championships.

47. Hector ‘Toe’ Blake

Toe Blake was a winner. AP Photo

Born: Aug. 21, 1912, in Victoria Mines, Ontario, Canada

Died: May 17, 1995 (aged 82), in Montreal, Quebec, Canada

NHL career: 14 years (1934-48)

Teams: Montreal Maroons, Montreal Canadiens

Bottom line: A baby nicknamed this Hall of Famer. Hector Blake’s little sister Margaret, unable to pronounce “Hector” as a toddler, called him “Hec-toe.”

“Toe” stuck.

Blake was a rare success as both NHL player and head coach. As a player, Blake won the Hart Trophy in 1939. As a coach, he led the Canadiens to eight Stanley Cup championships.

46. Billy ‘Hatchet Man’ Smith

Billy Smith had an .895 save percentage. Ray Stubblebine / AP Photo

Born: Dec. 12, 1950, in Perth, Ontario, Canada

NHL career: 18 years (1971-89)

Teams: New York Islanders, Los Angeles Kings

Bottom line: How can a goaltender be like a murderer?

Mark Beech wrote in Sports Illustrated in 1983: “For almost two decades Battlin’ Billy treated opponents like no goalie before him. The crease was his, and woe to the forward who made the mistake of gliding through it — or of even getting too close. Smith was notorious for viciously using his stick on rival skaters, especially jabbing opponents with the butt end.”

Because of Smith, the NHL mandated that all goalies tape the butt end of their stick.

When the four-time Stanley Cup champion retired in 1989, he was the most penalized netminder in league history.

45. Dave ‘The Hammer’ Schultz

Dave Schultz was always ready to drop the gloves. Rusty Kennedy / AP Photo

Born: April 20, 1993, in Pembroke Pines, Florida, United States

NHL career: 9 years (1971-80)

Teams: Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins, Buffalo Sabres

Bottom line: Armed with a devastating right hand — hence “The Hammer” — the fighter set a still-standing NHL record with 472 penalty minutes in 1974-75.

Schultz, however, harbored regrets about his role in hockey’s bloodiest era. He wrote in The New York Times in 1982, “If playing hockey means fighting, then take up golf, tennis — anything that stresses skill over simple violence.”

44. Yvan ‘The Roadrunner’ Cournoyer

Yvan Cournoyer scored 428 goals in his career. Harry Harris / AP Photo

Born: Nov. 22, 1943, in Drummondville, Quebec, Canada

NHL career: 16 years (1963-79)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens

Bottom line: The 5-foot-7 Yvan Cournoyer was one of the fastest skaters in NHL history.

“The Roadrunner” wasn’t all feet, either: Cournoyer led Montreal in goal scoring four times, no small feat for a Canadiens squad that won 10 Stanley Cups over the winger’s 16-year career.

43. Rod ‘The Secretary of Defense’ Langway

Rod Langway was as tough as they come. Bill Smith / AP Photo

Born: May 3, 1957, in Maag, Taiwan

NHL career: 15 years (1978-93)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens, Washington Capitals

Bottom line: How good was Rod Langway at playing defense? The Washington Capital won the Norris Trophy for best defenseman in 1983 and 1984, despite finishing outside of the top-40 in defensemen scoring in both seasons.

That’s unprecedented: In the 66-year history of the Norris Trophy, no defenseman has ever scored so little to win it.

Naturally, fans in the nation’s capital dubbed Langway “The Secretary of Defense.”

42. Fred ‘Cyclone’ Taylor

Cyclone Taylor in 1908. Wikimedia

Born: June 23, 1884, in Tara, Ontario, Canada

Died: June 9, 1979 (aged 94), in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Playing career: 16 years (1906-22)

Teams: Vancouver Maroons (PCHA), Vancouver Millionaires (PCHA), Renfrew Creamery Kings (NHA), Ottawa Hockey Club (ECAHA), Pittsburgh Athletic Club (WPHL), Portage Lakes Hockey Club (IHL)

Bottom line: It’s not everyday that the Governor-General of Canada coins your nickname.

Such was the case for Fred “Cyclone” Taylor, so named by Earl Grey, Governor General of Canada, because of his skating ability.

Arguably hockey’s first superstar, Taylor was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1947.

41. Curtis ‘CuJo’ Joseph

Curtis Joseph had a career 2.79 goals-against average. John Swart / AP Photo

Born: April 29, 1967, in Keswick, Ontario, Canada

NHL career: 19 years (1989-2009)

Teams: St. Louis Blues, Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, Detroit Red Wings, Phoenix Coyotes, Calgary Flames

Bottom line: Robert Dirk was a journeyman defenseman who played for five teams over a nine-year NHL career. Dirk may not have stuck around for long, but his nickname for then-Blues teammate Curtis Joseph did.

Joseph explained, “He shortened my name and I ran with that theme — the mad dog on the mask.” That goaltender mask — inspired, of course, by the eponymous Stephen King horror novel — would become one of hockey’s most memorable.

Equally memorable was Joseph’s work between the pipes. He retired in 2008-09, one of just four goalies to win over 450 games.

40. Joe ‘Jumbo’ Thornton

“Jumbo” Joe Thornton has lived up to his name since he entered the NHL in 1997. Winslow Townson / AP Photo

Born: July 2, 1979, in London, Ontario, Canada

NHL career: 22 years (1997-present)

Teams: Boston Bruins, San Jose Sharks

Bottom line: Sometimes, the marriage between a player and a nickname is just perfect.

“You know how in sports you’re always looking for the right fit?” asked Glen Murray, who along with Travis Green, popularized the “Jumbo” moniker in Boston. ‘How a guy fits on a team, on a line, in a dressing room? Well, here’s a nickname that just fit. His name was Joe. And he was really big.”

At 6-foot-4 and with a matching personality, Joe Thornton could’ve been “Jumbo” in any walk of life. Lucky for us, he’s still making his presence felt in the NHL. The sure-fire Hall of Famer is playing in his 22nd NHL season.

39. Hal ‘Skillsie’ Gill

Hal Gill, center played 1,108 NHL games in his career. H. Rumph, Jr. / AP Photo

Born: April 6, 1975, in Concord, Massachusetts, United States

NHL career: 16 years (1997-2014)

Teams: Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators, Philadelphia Flyers

Bottom line: “Skillsie” isn’t how Hal Gill would describe himself.

But it’s what Gill’s Montreal Canadiens teammates — with affection but no lack of irony — dubbed the rugged 6-foot-7 defenseman, who averaged about two goals a season over his 16-year career.

“When you’re a hockey fan, you want to see awesome hockey plays, and I’m not the guy to give you awesome hockey plays,” Gill once admitted.

38. Derek ‘Boogeyman’ Boogaard

Derek Boogaard, right, was an intimidating presence on the ice. Joshua Lott / AP Photo

Born: June 23, 1982, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

Died: May 3, 2011 (aged 28), in Minneapolis, Minnesota

NHL career: 6 years (2005-11)

Teams: Minnesota Wild, New York Rangers

Bottom line: In an NHL where fighting has become more and more marginalized, Derek Boogaard was one of the last great fighters.

A truly intimidating presence who earned the “Boogeyman” moniker, the 6-foot-7 enforcer died of an accidental overdose of oxycodone and alcohol in May 2011. He was just 28.

37. Ted ‘Terrible Ted’ Lindsay

Ted Lindsay won the Stanley Cup four times in his career. AP Photo

Born: July 29, 1925, in Renfrew, Ontario, Canada

Died: March 4, 2019 (aged 93), in Oakland, Michigan, United States

NHL career: 17 years (1944-65)

Teams: Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Black Hawks

Bottom line: “Terrible Ted” Lindsay was just as tough off the ice as he was on the ice.

On the ice, the 5-foot-8 Hall of Famer earned the moniker with his tenacious play. In fact, the NHL passed rules against elbowing and kneeing opponents because of “Terrible Ted.”

Off the ice, in a notoriously anti-union era, Lindsay helped organize the first NHL players union.

36. Ed ‘JovoCop’ Jovanovski

Ed Jovanovski, left, had 500 points in his career. Jim Mone / AP Photo

Born: June 12, 1976, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada

NHL career: 18 years (1995-2014)

Teams: Florida Panthers, Vancouver Canucks, Phoenix Coyotes,

Bottom line: There’s “Robocop,” and there’s “JovoCop.”

It was Florida Panthers radio announcer Chris Moore who gave Ed Jovanovski — the defenseman who policed NHL bluelines with hard-hitting authority for 18 years — the nickname.

35. Frank ‘Mr. Zero’ Brimsek

Frank Brimsek had a 2.70 career goals-against average. AP Photo

Born: Sept. 26, 1915, in Eveleth, Minnesota, United States

Died: Nov. 11, 1998 (aged 83), in Virginia, Minnesota

NHL career: 10 years (1938-50)

Teams: Boston Bruins, Chicago Black Hawks

Bottom line: It’s not often that you earn a nickname after just eight NHL games.

But Frank Brimsek did just that, recording six shutouts in his first eight games backstopping the Boston Bruins.

“Mr. Zero” was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1966.

34. Howie ‘The Stratford Streak’ Morenz

Howie Morenz was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1945. AP Photo

Born: Sept. 21, 1902, in Mitchell, Ontario, Canada

Died: March 8, 1937 (aged 34), in Montreal, Quebec, Canada

NHL career: 14 years (1923-37)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Black Hawks, New York Rangers

Bottom line: Howie Morenz actually has two popular nicknames.

Born in Mitchell, Ontario, Morenz was dubbed “The Mitchell Meteor” because of his blazing speed. But nearby Stratford, where Morenz starred as an amateur, was where the better-remembered “Stratford Streak” got the attention of the Montreal Canadiens.

But another nickname better illustrates the prolific scorer’s impact on the sport: He was also known as “The Babe Ruth of Hockey.”

The Canadian Press named Morenz the greatest hockey player of the half-century in 1950.

33. Bernie ‘The Pumper Nicholl Kid’ Nicholls

Bernie Nicholls, left, had 1,209 points in his career. Ron Frehm / AP Photo

Born: June 24, 1961, in Haliburton, Ontario, Canada

NHL career: 18 years (1981-99)

Teams: Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils, Chicago Blackhawks, San Jose Sharks

Bottom line: It’s a nickname inspired by one of hockey’s all-time cellys. After scoring, Nicholls would raise his right leg and pump his right arm in a frenetic windmill motion.

It was Kings announcer Bob Miller who came up with “The Pumper Nicholl Kid” moniker.

Nicholls celebrated a lot over his 18-year career, pumping home 475 goals.

32. Bill ‘Honest Brakeman’ Juzda

Bill Juzda played in 398 NHL games. Sport Manitoba / YouTube

Born: Oct. 29, 1920, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Died: Feb. 17, 2008 (aged 87), in Winnipeg, Manitoba

NHL career: 9 years (1940-52)

Teams: New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs

Bottom line: Athletes used to make a lot less money in the 1950s.

Case in point, physical defenseman Bill Juzda, who worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway in the summer.

His teammates dubbed him the “Honest Brakeman.”

31. James ‘Optimus Reim’ Reimer

James Reimer was drafted in the fourth round of the 2006 NHL draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Keith Srakocic / AP Photo

Born: March 15, 1988, in Morweena, Manitoba, Canada

NHL career: 10 years (2010-present)

Teams: Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks, Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes

Bottom line: James Reimer took Toronto by storm in 2010-11, winning Rookie of the Month in March 2011.

Maple Leafs fans dubbed him “Optimus Reim” after the “Transformers” character, Optimus Prime.

The goaltender took the nickname in stride, wearing multiple Transformers-inspired masks over his career.

30. Jyrki ‘Kevin’ Jokipakka

Jyrki Jokipakka had 28 points in his NHL career. Eric Gay / AP Photo

Born: Aug. 20, 1991, in Tampere, Finland

NHL career: 3 years (2014-17)

Teams: Dallas Stars, Calgary Flames, Ottawa Senators

Bottom line: Ever have your name misspelled on a Starbucks cup? Jyrki Jokipakka certainly has.

After Starbucks barista after barista couldn’t spell his name right, Jokipakka just started saying he was “Kevin.” Dallas Stars teammates picked up on it.

“It was easier,” said Jokipakka.

“Kevin” is currently playing in Russia, after a brief NHL career.

29. Frank ‘Never’ Beaton

Frank Beaton was one tough customer. @FervorCoulee / Twitter

Born: April 28, 1953, in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada

NHL career: 2 years (1978-80)

Teams: New York Rangers

Bottom line: Unfortunately, this wasn’t quite true.

The pugilist earned the “Never” moniker in the 1970s as he battled his way from the juniors up to the NHL.

But after losing a few scraps in the NHL, his nickname was changed to “Seldom” Beaton.

28. Artemi ‘Bread Man’ Panarin

Artemi Panarin was born in Russia. Nam Y. Huh / AP Photo

Born: Oct. 30, 1991, in Korkino, Russia

NHL career: 5 years (2015-present)

Teams: Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Rangers

Bottom line: Who would guess that the normally stoic Joel Quenneville would coin one of the more memorable modern monikers?

After just one regular-season game during Artemi Panarin’s rookie campaign, the Blackhawks coach dubbed the Russian “Bread Man,” after the winger’s puck-carrying wizardry and restaurant chain Panera Bread.

Panarin has certainly justified the nickname, finishing first or second on his team in scoring in the first four seasons of his career.

27. Mariusz ‘The Polish Prince’ Czerkawski

Mariusz Czerkawski played on five teams in his 12-year NHL career. Ed Betz / AP Photo

Born: April 13, 1972, in Radomsko, Poland

NHL career: 12 years (1993-2006)

Teams: Boston Bruins, Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders, Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs

Bottom line: “The Polish Prince” wasn’t royalty.

Instead, he was a hockey player, so dubbed because he was a rare NHL player from Poland.

Czerkawski scored over 20 goals in a season six times in a career that ended in 2006.

26. Lou ‘Louie the Leaper’ Fontinato

Lou Fontinato liked to fight. @SportsDaysPast / Twitter

Born: Jan. 20, 1932, in Guelph, Ontario, Canada

Died: July 3, 2016 (aged 84) in Guelph, Ontario

NHL career: 9 years (1954-63)

Teams: New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens

Bottom line: Lou Fontinato’s short fuse would lead to a lasting nickname.

When whistled for a penalty — Fontinato led the NHL in penalty minutes three times — the defenseman would often jump with rage.

Also called “Leapin’ Louie,’ the longtime Ranger was a Madison Square Garden favorite.

25. Shayne ‘Ghost Bear’ Gostisbehere

Shayne Gostisbehere during a game against the New York Rangers in 2019. Derik Hamilton / AP Photo

Born: April 20, 1993, in Pembroke Pines, Florida, United States

NHL career: 5 years (2014-present)

Teams: Philadelphia Flyers

Bottom line: As a freshman at Union College, Shayne Gostisbehere’s teammates called him “Ghost.”

Thanks to a hard-to-pronounce last name — it’s pronounced “GAWS-tihs-bair” — Philadelphia Flyers fans just called the dynamic blueliner “Ghost Bear.”

Gostisbehere even has taken to scribbling a ghost and a bear with his autograph.

24. Ken ‘The Rat’ Linseman

Ken Linseman played 269 games with the Flyers. Amazon

Born: Aug. 11, 1958, in Kingston, Ontario, Canada

NHL career: 14 years (1978-92)

Teams: Philadelphia Flyers, Edmonton Oilers, Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs

Bottom line: Bobby Clarke called Ken Linesman “The Rat” because of his low, hunched skating form.

Linesman’s chippy (some would say “dirty”) playing style and resemblance to members of the order Rodentia didn’t hurt.

Linesman helped the 1984 Edmonton Oilers win a Stanley Cup.

23. George ‘Punch’ Imlach

Toronto Maple Leafs coach George “Punch” Imlach, in hat, celebrates with his players after winning the Stanley Cup in 1962. AP Photo

Born: March 15, 1918, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Died: Dec. 1, 1987 (aged 69), in Toronto, Ontario

NHL coaching career: 14 years (1958-69, 1970-72, 1979-80)

Teams: Toronto Maple Leafs, Buffalo Sabres

Bottom line: George “Punch” Imlach never played in the NHL, but he was the coach and general manager behind the Toronto Maple Leafs’ last Stanley Cup in 1967.

“Punch” received his nickname when he was knocked out as an amateur player. On regaining consciousness, he began swinging his fist — at his own team.

The moniker also described how the 1984 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee handled his teams as a coach and general manager: He was an infamous taskmaster who drove some of his stars to mental exhaustion and quitting.

But his success was indisputable, as he led Toronto to four championships.

22. Fred ‘Freddie the Fog’ Shero

Fred Shero with Bobby Clarke and Bernie Parent

Philadelphia Flyers coach Fred Shero, center, talks with captain Bobby Clarke, left, and goalie Bernie Parent, right, at a practice session before the 1975-76 season. Bill Ingraham / AP Photo

Born: Oct. 23, 1925, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Died: Nov. 24, 1990 (aged 65), in Camden, New Jersey

NHL career: 3 years as player (1947-50), 10 years as coach (1971-81)

Teams: New York Rangers (player), Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers (as coach)

Bottom line: Dubbed “Freddie the Fog” because of occasional absentmindedness, coach Fred Shero owned a clear insight into hockey’s future.

Shero was a leader in studying video and incorporating Soviet tactics into a North American style of play in the 1970s. He was also the first NHL coach to hire a full-time assistant and to have his skaters play in a system.

The bench boss wasn’t just an innovator. He led the Philadelphia Flyers to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 1974 and 1975.

21. Aubrey Victor ‘Dit’ Clapper

Dit Clapper played 20 years in the NHL, all with the Boston Bruins. eBay

Born: Feb. 9, 1907, in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada

Died: Jan. 20, 1980 (aged 70), in Peterborough, Ontario

NHL career: 20 years (1927-47)

Teams: Boston Bruins

Bottom line: His parents called him Victor. But because of a childhood speech impediment, when Clapper introduced himself, “Victor” became “Ditter,” which was eventually shortened to “Dit.”

The first player to be immediately inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on retirement, Clapper was best known for his versatility and longevity. The lifelong Boston Bruin was an All-Star as both a right winger and defenseman.

He also was the first player to play 20 years in the NHL, a career that ended in 1947.

20. Lorne ‘Gump’ Worsley

New York Ranger goalie Gump Worsley catches the puck to stop a scoring bid by the Detroit Red Wings in 1963. MZ / AP Photo

Born: May 14, 1929 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Died: Jan. 26, 2007 (aged 77), in Beloeil, Quebec, Canada

NHL career: 21 years (1952-74)

Teams: New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens, Minnesota North Stars

Bottom line: Gump Worsley only has himself to blame. Born Lorne Worsley, he was nicknamed “Gump” as a kid because of his resemblance to popular comic strip character Andy Gump.

But Worsley revealed that he sealed his own fate: “It’s my own fault because when I went to play junior, you had to fill out a form and they asked for nickname and I put ‘Gump’ down, and it stuck.”

It stuck all the way to the Hockey Hall of Fame, where Gump was inducted in 1980.

19. Larry ‘Big Bird’ Robinson

Larry Robinson finished his 20-year NHL career with the Los Angeles Kings after winning six Stanley Cup titles in 17 seasons with the Montreal Canadiens. Bob Galbraith / AP Photo

Born: June 2, 1951, in Winchester, Ontario, Canada

NHL career: 20 years (1972-92)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings

Bottom line: It’s easy to see why the 6-foot-4, 225-pound Larry Robinson was called “Big Bird.”

Good thing for the Montreal Canadiens, Robinson was far more mobile and skilled than his “Sesame Street” namesake.

The defenseman led the Canadiens to six Stanley Cups and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1995.

18. Tony ‘O’ Esposito

Blackhawks goalie Tony Esposito led the NHL with 15 shutouts in the 1969-70 season. Fred Jewell / AP Photo

Born: April 23, 1943, in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada

NHL career: 16 years (1968-84)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks

Bottom line: A play on both his last name and his record-breaking rookie season, Tony “O” set a still-standing modern-day NHL mark with 15 shutouts in 1969-70.

The Chicago Blackhawks goaltender was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988.

17. Georges ‘The Chicoutimi Cucumber’ Vezina

Georges Vezina in the 1920s. Montreal Canadiens / Wikimedia

Born: Jan. 21, 1887, in Chicoutimi, Quebec, Canada

Died: march 27, 1926 (aged 39), in Chicoutimi, Quebec

NHL career: 9 years (1917-26)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens

Bottom line: “The Chicoutimi Cucumber” was known for his composure between the pipes.

Georges Vezina played 366 consecutive regular-season and playoff games, before leaving a game early in 1925 due to illness. The Chicoutimi, Quebec native was diagnosed with tuberculosis and died a year later.

Vezina’s team, the Montreal Canadiens, donated the Vezina Trophy to the NHL in 1926-27. The Vezina Trophy still is awarded today to the outstanding goaltender of the season.

16. Mario ‘Super Mario’ Lemieux

Mario Lemieux parades the Stanley Cup around Chicago Stadium in 1992 after the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Chicago Blackhawks to win their second consecutive championship. John Swart / AP Photo

Born: Oct. 5, 1965, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada

NHL career: 17 years (1984-94, 1995-97, 2000-06)

Teams: Pittsburgh Penguins

Bottom line: “Super” is the most appropriate description for Mario Lemieux. Debuting for the Pittsburgh Penguins around the time that popular video game, “Super Mario Bros.,” hit the North American market, “Super Mario” was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1997.

So great were his accomplishments, he was just the ninth player to have the mandatory three-year Hall of Fame waiting period waived.

Bobby Orr called him “the most talented player I’ve ever seen.”

15. Andrew ‘Hamburglar’ Hammond

Ottawa Senators goalie Andrew Hammond deflects a shot against the Los Angeles Kings in 2015. Mark J. Terrill / AP Photo

Born: Feb. 11, 1988, in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada

NHL career: 5 years (2013-18)

Teams: Ottawa Senators, Colorado Avalanche

Bottom line: A play on his name and McDonald’s hamburger-loving thief, Andrew Hammond was called “The Hamburglar” since college.

But this version of “The Hamburglar” arrived on the scene when he was called up by the Ottawa Senators to fill in for an injured goalie.

The 27-year-old rookie won 20 of his next 23 games, leading the 2014-15 Senators to the playoffs.

14. Teemu ‘The Finnish Flash’ Selanne

Teemu Selanne celebrates a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning in 1997. Mark J. Terrill / AP Photo

Born: July 3, 1970, in Helsinki, Finland

NHL career: 21 years (1992-2014)

Teams: Winnepeg Jets, Anaheim Ducks/Mighty Ducks, San Jose Sharks, Colorado Avalanche

Bottom line: The speedy, electric Finn broke into the NHL like a lightning bolt, shattering the rookie record for most goals in a season with 76.

Hence, “The Finnish Flash,” coined by Ken Campbell of the Winnipeg Free Press, was born.

Selanne terrified his opposition for three decades, retiring in 2014 with 684 goals.

13. Don ‘Grapes’ Cherry

Don Cherry is known for his outspoken commentary and flashy suits. Carlos Osorio / AP Photo

Born: Feb. 5, 1934, in Kingston, Ontario, Canada

NHL coaching career: 6 years (1974-80)

Teams: Boston Bruins, Colorado Rockies

Bottom line: Don Cherry never has been Mr. Easygoing. Irascibility is more his style. Throw in an ironic last name, and you get “sour grapes.”

The Canadian icon continues to spread his particular kind of cheer on “Hockey Night in Canada.”

12. Jonathan ‘Captain Serious’ Toews

Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews in action against the Nashville Predators in 2019. Mark Humphrey / AP Photo

Born: April 29, 1988, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

NHL career: 12 years (2007-present)

Teams: Chicago Blackhawks

Bottom line: “Like success, nicknames have a thousand fathers,” Michael Farber wrote in a Sports Illustrated profile about Jonathan Toews.

In much the same way, the origins of “Captain Serious” are shrouded in mystery. Patrick Sharp says he came up with it. Toews credited Brent Seabrook.

Regardless, Toews’s business-like demeanor helped usher in an unprecedented era of success for the Chicago Blackhawks, as he led them to championships in 2010, 2013, and 2015.

11. Jim ‘The Net Detective’ Carey

Washington Capitals goalie Jim Carey during a game against the New York Rangers in 1996. George Miller / AP Photo

Born: May 31, 1974, in Dorchester, Massachusetts, United States

NHL career: 6 years (1994-99)

Teams: Washington Capitals, Boston Bruins, St. Louis Blues

Bottom line: In the mid-1990s, Canadian comedian Jim Carrey took Hollywood by storm with blockbusters like “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.”

At the same time, American goaltender Jim Carey was taking the NHL by storm, winning the 1995-95 Calder Trophy.

Carey was the first goaltender in NHL history to be nominated for the Vezina Trophy in each of his first two seasons.

While Carrey went on to rule Hollywood for years to come, Carey’s success in hockey ended. He was out of the NHL just three years later.

10. Wayne ‘The Great One’ Gretzky

Edmonton Oilers center Wayne Gretzky against the Los Angeles Kings in 1982. AP Photo

Born: Jan. 26, 1961, in Brantford, Ontario, Canada

NHL career: 20 years (1979-99)

Teams: Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, New York Rangers

Bottom line: A local reporter dubbed Wayne Gretzky “The Great One” when he was just 10 years old, and Gretzky has lived up to his title — and more.

Upon retirement in 1999, Gretzky owned or shared 61 NHL records, including all-time career marks in goals, assists and points.

What Gordie “Mr. Hockey” Howe was to earlier generations of hockey fans, “The Great One” is now.

9. Bernie ‘Boom Boom’ Geoffrion

Bernie “Boom Boom” Geoffrion in 1954. AP Photo

Born: Feb. 16, 1931, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Died: March 11, 2006 (aged 75), in Atlanta, Georgie, United States

NHL career: 16 years (1950-64, 1966-68)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers

Bottom line: Bernie Geoffrion was one of the pioneers of the slapshot.

A local sportswriter nicknamed Geoffrion “Boom Boom” for his thundering contribution to the sport.

The prolific goalscorer was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972.

8. Dave ‘Tiger’ Williams

Tiger Williams, right, fired up against the Philadelphia Flyers in 1977. Bill Ingraham / AP Photo

Born: Feb. 3, 1954, in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Canada

NHL career: 14 years (1974-88)

Teams: Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, Hartford Whalers

Bottom line: Dave “Tiger” Williams played (and fought) the same way his entire life.

The NHL’s all-time penalty minutes leader said, of his nickname: “I’ve had it all my life. It was partly because of my personality and partly because of the way I played when I was a kid.”

7. Nikolai ‘The Bulin Wall’ Khabibulin

Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin stops a shot against the Detroit Red Wings in 2002. Chris O’Meara / AP Photo

Born: Jan. 13, 1973, in Sverdlovsk, Soviet Union (Russia)

NHL career: 18 years (1994-2014)

Teams: Winnepeg Jets, Phoenix Coyotes, Tampa Bay Lightning, Chicago Blackhawks, Edmonton Oilers

Bottom line: The Berlin Wall fell in 1989, but the “Bulin Wall” went up just a few years later.

Goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin was a four-time All-Star who backstopped the Tampa Bay Lightning to the 2004 Stanley Cup.

6. Frank ‘Ulcers’ McCool

Frank McCool played two seasons in the NHL and won one Stanley Cup. eBay

Born: Oct. 27, 1918, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Died: May 20, 1973 (aged 54), in Calgary, Alberta

NHL career: 2 years (1944-46)

Teams: Toronto Maple Leafs

Bottom line: Goaltending is a stressful position.

So Frank “Ulcers” McCool, who backstopped the 1945 Toronto Maple Leafs to a Stanley Cup, may have owned as fitting a nickname for a goalie as there ever was.

Famous for taking ulcer medicine during games, McCool retired the next season because of recurring ulcers. Sadly, he also passed away in 1973 in part because of his namesake ailment.

5. Pat ‘Little Ball of Hate’ Verbeek

Pat Verbeek, center, celebrates a goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1996. Gene J. Puskar / AP Photo

Born: May 24, 1964, in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada

NHL career: 20 years (1982-2002)

Teams: New Jersey Devils, Hartford Whalers, New York Rangers, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings

Bottom line: If you’re 5-foot-9 and 195 pounds, you need some fire in your belly to make it in the NHL. Ornery and strong, Pat Verbeek more than made it, potting over 500 goals over a long, illustrious career.

In New York, Glenn Healy called Verbeek the “Little Ball of Hate” after Ray Ferraro, known as the “Big Ball of Hate.”

4. Stu ‘The Grim Reaper’ Grimson

Stu Grimson always was willing to fight on the ice. Mark Humphrey / AP Photo

Born: May 20, 1965, in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada

NHL career: 14 years (1988-2002)

Teams: Calgary Flames, Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Mighty Ducks, Detroit Red Wings, Hartford Whalers, Carolina Hurricanes, Los Angeles Kings, Nashville Predators

Bottom line: Standing 6-foot-6, Stu “The Grim Reaper” Grimson was one of the most feared enforcers in the game in the 1990s.

Grimson fought ’em all, but his greatest rival was probably the equally fearsome Bob Probert. Grimson and Probert tangled a whopping 13 times throughout their careers.

Off the ice, Grimson cast another image, speaking to community groups, sponsoring a Christian hockey camp, and talking with students about dealing with negative influences such as drugs and alcohol.

3. Gordie ‘Mr. Hockey’ Howe

Gordie Howe, center, was a beloved NHL player and teammate. Alvin Quinn / AP Photo

Born: March 31, 1928, in Floral, Saskatchewan, Canada

Died: June 10, 2016 (aged 88), in Sylvania, Ohio, United States

NHL career: 26 years (1946-71, 1979-80)

Teams: Detroit Red Wings, Hartford Whalers

Bottom line: “Mr. Hockey.” Perhaps that nickname, more than anything, tells you all you need to know about what Gordie Howe meant to the sport of hockey.

He was the sport’s greatest ambassador. Both Bobby Hull and Wayne Gretzky were kids when they first met Howe.

“My inspiration,” Hull once called him.

“He is, he was, he will always be the greatest,” Gretzky once said.

Howe was the sport’s greatest player, holding the record for most career goals and points until Gretzky’s arrival.

Howe also was the sport’s archetypal player. A “Gordie Howe Hat Trick” is a goal, an assist, and a fight.

Mr. Hockey, indeed.

2. Bobby ‘The Golden Jet’ Hull

Bobby Hull, in 1961, after the Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup. AP Photo

Born: Jan. 3, 1939, in Point Anne, Ontario, Canada

NHL career: 16 years (1957-72, 1979-80)

Teams: Chicago Blackhawks, Winnipeg Jets, Hartford Whalers

Bottom line: Bobby Hull’s blond tresses and blazing speed and booming slapshot earned him the memorable sobriquet “The Golden Jet.”

Bobby was arguably the most devastating goalscorer in hockey history, but his son, Brett Hull, actually scored more goals than his father.

Nicknamed “The Golden Brett,” Brett Hull put in 741 goals to his dad’s 610. They’re the most prolific father-son scoring duo in hockey history.

1. Maurice ‘The Rocket’ Richard

Maurice “The Rocket” Richard, in 1958, after scoring his 600th career goal. AP Photo

Born: Aug. 4, 1921, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Died: May 27, 2000 (aged 78), in Montreal, Quebec

NHL career: 18 years (1942-60)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens

Bottom line: Sportswriters didn’t call Maurice Richard “The Rocket” just because of his power and speed game.

Rival goaltender Glenn Hall noted, “What I remember most about Rocket was his eyes. When he came flying toward you with the puck on his stick, his eyes were all lit up. It was terrifying.”

Perhaps the most dominant scorer of the NHL’s first half-century, the Montreal Canadiens superstar also was a cultural touchstone in the province of Quebec. When Richard passed away in 1998, he became the first non-politician to be honored with a state funeral.

“The Rocket” was a nickname so good, it’s been successfully revived twice. Richard’s younger brother, Henri Richard, was dubbed “The Pocket Rocket” because of his smaller stature. The Richard brothers played together for five seasons.

Then, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, spellbinding scorer Pavel “The Russian Rocket” Bure burst onto the scene.

All three “Rockets” are members of the Hockey Hall of Fame.