NHL History: Hockey Legends Gretzky, Lemieux, and Orr

There is a debate about who is the best Canadian hockey player. Canadian ice hockey fans are fortunate to have so many NHL greats come from their country.

Ice hockey is the most popular sport in Canada. It is played throughout the year and is considered the country's national pastime. The sport's history dates back to the Victorian era when Lord Stanley of Preston started the Stanley Cup. Canada has provided the NHL with many of its finest players. There were over a million adult participants in 2010. The recent relaxation of previously restrictive betting laws means more and more Canadians are enjoying a little flutter on the outcome.

Gretzky, Lemieux and Orr are Canadian Hockey Legends.

Wayne Gretzky is one of the greatest hockey players of all time. He retired in 1999 after a 20-year career in the NHL. Gretzy won a quartet of Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers and the Los Angeles Kings. He is the leading goal and point scorer in NHL history. His career highlights include scoring over 200 points in a season four times and winning the Hart Memorial Trophy on nine occasions.

Mario Lemieux is considered one of the best hockey players of all time. He is second to Wayne Gretzky in points and assists per game. Lemiuk is also the only player to win the Stanley Cup as both a player and an owner. His career was marred by injuries and health issues. He retired twice, the first due to a fight against lymphoma and the second when he was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation.

Bobby Orr is a two-time Stanley Cup winner and a record-breaking NHL player. He won the Norris Trophy eight times in a row and three Hart Trophies on the bounce. Orrer's career ended at 30 due to a knee injury. He is fifth on all- time NHL points per game list.