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What is the true definition of a hero? Is a hero, as defined
in mythology and legends, a man often born of one mortal, and
once divine parent, who is endowed with great courage and strength
and celebrated for his bold exploits and favoured by gods? Or
is a hero just a person who brings joy to your life?
Jean Beliveau fits this description because he was the captain
and "centerpiece" of the mighty Montreal Canadians
dynasty, bringing home the 10 Stanley Cup rings during his extraordinary
reign! Twice voted the NHL's MVP, he was a first all-star in
1955, 1956, 1957, 1959, 1960 and 1961. |
He also won the scoring champion in 1956 and he was the first
recipient of the Conn Smythe Trophy as a MVP of the playoffs
in 1955. Beliveau accumulated 507 goals, 712 assists, for a point
total of 1219 in 1125 games, all with the "Habs" (the
nickname for the Montreal Canadians). Beliveau was perhaps the
greatest French Canadian hockey star and his contribution to
10 Stanley Cup victories makes him an extraordinary Canadian
hero.
To Canada, the name Jean Beliveau means the greatest hockey
player in the nation. But he also is a nice person which makes
him an ambassador, of not just Canada, but the game of hockey
itself.
Not only can Beliveau increase the pride in our country, he
has a lot of great assets that go a long with the game like all
of his Canadian Records. These are milestones in my life, Jean's
life, and our nation because he holds two records, most playoff
assists (809), and the most assists by a center (712). As he
progresses in his life, he will astound the Canadian fans with
his eccentric opinions, and interviews about the game hockey,
and Canada.
His giant body was a sharp contradiction from his gentlemanly
style of play. He was a majestic player, known for his crisp
passes and a shot like a laser! Although this description may
seem perfect, Beliveau had critics. Despite his incredible list
of accomplishments, some people still were yet to be satisfied.
For some people, he was such a star, as a junior and senior player,
he couldn't fulfill the enormous build-up he received as a young
player.
Beliveau's journey to and through Montreal was one of the
weirdest in pro sports history. Realizing how great Beliveaus
was, the Canadians purchased the whole league and turned the
league professional just to get Beliveau into a "Habs"
jersey. After all the commotion, he refused to sign because he
preferred to stay in his hometown Quebec.
In conclusion, I think Jean Beliveau is an extraordinary hockey
player and an excellent hero! |