Hockey Hits – It’s All In The Best Hockey Nicknames
Hockey Hits – Over the years there have been plenty, with some more memorable than others. There have been the best hockey games, the best hockey plays, and then there have been the best hockey nicknames of all times.
The Great One
Wayne Gretzky has earned the nickname “The Great One,” and the name itself pretty much sums it up. He has truly rewritten the record books of hockey. Not only has Gretzky done plenty for the game of hockey he is an amazing supporter of local communities and charities.
Grim Reaper
Stu Grimson although not a legendary player he does wield a powerful stick, plays the role of the evil enforcer well, and even gets the odd goal. He’s earned the name Grim Reaper for his role as the enforcer and his not so sportsmanlike tactics.
The Rat
Ken Linseman earned the name the rat because although he played 4 seasons he spent most of his time on the Rat Patrol line with Holmgren and Propp. Over time he earned a reputation for being a trouble maker and for his ever ending penalties that hurt the team, causing him to fall quickly from popularity.
The Rocket
Maurice Richard definitely was a human rocket with his combination of power, intensity, and speed. This man could move people on and off the ice. Truly a force to be reckoned with all his life.
The Hammer
Dave Schultz earned his nickname because when he dropped his gloves his punches broke face bones when they connected. It’s probably one of the most accurate nicknames ever handed down. In 1972, the Flyers needed a better team police department so they brought Schultz and Saleski into the lineup that soon earned the name the Broad Street Bullies
Russian Rocket
Pavel Bure earned the nickname Russian Rocket. He played hockey as a youngster in his native home the Soviet Union and when he arrived on the NHL scene he was a thrill to watch and a top goal scorer.
The Dominator
Dominik Hasek is simply an amazing mad that dominates the game. This is a goalie with tremendous foot speed and good control of the rebounds. He’s always prepared and simply unflappable.
Super Mario
Mario Lemieux fits his nickname well as he’s just one of those great hockey players. He was forced to retire from the hockey scene due to a battle with cancer and an irregular heartbeat. That hasn’t slowed this super dude down as he puts all his efforts into raising funds through the Mario Lemieux Foundation for Research, Patient Care, and Children’s health.
Mr. Hockey
Gordie Howe the great ambassador of hockey has definitely earned the name Mr. Hockey. He set numerous records throughout his career and it appeared he was truly unstoppable but after injuries slowed him down he retired from the Red Wings in 1971 and was immediately inducted in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
CuJo
Curtis Joseph is seldom called by his real name anymore. CuJo is how he’s most often called. This goalie this season ranks 7th on NHL’s all time wins list with 418 career victories. That’s something to talk about!
So perhaps there really is something in the theory that great hockey hits have a lot to do with great hockey nicknames. Or perhaps the nicknames have a lot to do with those hit records. So we’re back to the old dilemma which came first the hits or the nicknames? Well it really doesn’t matter. After all it’s all about the game right?
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