Jean Beliveau: a Canadian hockey hero

By Ryan Green
Portage la Prairie, Manitoba


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!