just read this online and figured this is the best place for it. As great as his legacy as a player is, it barely scratches the surface of his legacy as a person.
He is 65 now and still considered by many the greatest hockey player who ever lived, an indelible revelation on ice. During his 12 years in the NHL from 1966-78, he twice led the Bruins to Stanley Cup titles, in 1970 and 1972, and accumulated nearly every honor the NHL grants, including early entry to the Hall of Fame.
But if the true measure of character is found in the deeds done when no one is looking, then Orr has forged a transcendent legacy in the decades since he first wielded a wooden hockey stick on Causeway Street.
His effortless speed, power, and scoring touch, unrivaled in the history of NHL defensemen, revolutionized the sport he loves and turned New England into a hub of hockey fanatics.
His work changing lives is much less known, for a simple reason: He won’t talk about it and loathes anyone else talking about it. The idea of receiving credit — or worse, appearing to seek credit — for doing what a good person does repulses Bobby Orr. This article, which touches on some of those quiet acts of kindness was, in a real sense, written against his wishes
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Many thanks for the great article on Orr. I had the good fortune to see him play, and as I have said before, he always seemed to be playing in a league of his own, a notch higher than every other player on the ice.
Once he retired, you really didn't hear much about his life, and now I know why. Obviously he has been one of those rare individuals who has gone quietly about his life doing good for others, and seeking no praise in return. What a great model for others to follow.
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1. On a list that starts with Graham James, Alan Eagleson is one of the biggest POS to have ever been involved with the sport of hockey
2. I cant read anything about Bobby Orr without instantly singing Fireworks by the Tragically Hip
"You said you didn't give a f*** about hockey
And I never saw someone say that before
You held my hand and we walked home the long way
You were loosening my grip on Bobby Orr"
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I have met Bobby twice at luncheons and he is one the finest people you will ever meet. Real class act. Orr has been been my idol since i was a kid and he equals the praise.
I never got to see him play. Maybe I should watch an old game to get to see what everyone talks about ( I don't doubt it ). Are there any epic Bobby Orr games that would define him? Like Iginla vs Vancouver game 7 type of defining games?
I never got to see him play. Maybe I should watch an old game to get to see what everyone talks about ( I don't doubt it ). Are there any epic Bobby Orr games that would define him? Like Iginla vs Vancouver game 7 type of defining games?
the 1976 Canada Cup is available on dvd. He was named the MVP of the tournament, so I'd imagine it's a good representation.
and I agree with cral12. Brunt's book is definitely worth a read.
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I never got to see him play. Maybe I should watch an old game to get to see what everyone talks about ( I don't doubt it ). Are there any epic Bobby Orr games that would define him? Like Iginla vs Vancouver game 7 type of defining games?
Location: A simple man leading a complicated life....
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Originally Posted by Delthefunky
I never got to see him play. Maybe I should watch an old game to get to see what everyone talks about ( I don't doubt it ). Are there any epic Bobby Orr games that would define him? Like Iginla vs Vancouver game 7 type of defining games?
Lots of game footage in this video
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I never got to see him play. Maybe I should watch an old game to get to see what everyone talks about ( I don't doubt it ). Are there any epic Bobby Orr games that would define him? Like Iginla vs Vancouver game 7 type of defining games?
He's not even comparable to Iginla or anything he did. That would be insulting to Bobby Orr.
Orr looked like a 15 year old, playing with a bunch of 10 year olds. He was that dominant, and that much faster than everyone on the ice, even when he was basically on one knee. More so even than Gretzky. The numbers that Orr put up, considering the position he played, to me, makes him the greatest player of all time. Not only did he put up absurd offensive stats, he was amazing defensively. In 70-71 he put up 139 points and was +124. He finished his career +597. He won two Art Ross trophies as a defenseman, and was one of those players that was so freaking tough, he hardly ever had to fight, because he was so feared because of his strength.
Wayne Gretzky had the greatest all time stats in hockey.
But Bobby Orr, was the greatest Hockey player of all time if you look at the big picture. I have always wondered, what kind of numbers he could have put up, with his god given talent, as a Centre? I would almost bet he would have shattered and would still hold, every single season record in the NHL.
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He's not even comparable to Iginla or anything he did. That would be insulting to Bobby Orr.
Orr looked like a 15 year old, playing with a bunch of 10 year olds. He was that dominant, and that much faster than everyone on the ice, even when he was basically on one knee. More so even than Gretzky. The numbers that Orr put up, considering the position he played, to me, makes him the greatest player of all time. Not only did he put up absurd offensive stats, he was amazing defensively. In 70-71 he put up 139 points and was +124. He finished his career +597. He won two Art Ross trophies as a defenseman, and was one of those players that was so freaking tough, he hardly ever had to fight, because he was so feared because of his strength.
Wayne Gretzky had the greatest all time stats in hockey.
But Bobby Orr, was the greatest Hockey player of all time if you look at the big picture. I have always wondered, what kind of numbers he could have put up, with his god given talent, as a Centre? I would almost bet he would have shattered and would still hold, every single season record in the NHL.
To add to that, he changed the way defence was played. Before Orr, the offensive defenceman never really existed. He's incomparable to anyone.
He's not even comparable to Iginla or anything he did. That would be insulting to Bobby Orr.
Orr looked like a 15 year old, playing with a bunch of 10 year olds. He was that dominant, and that much faster than everyone on the ice, even when he was basically on one knee. More so even than Gretzky. The numbers that Orr put up, considering the position he played, to me, makes him the greatest player of all time. Not only did he put up absurd offensive stats, he was amazing defensively. In 70-71 he put up 139 points and was +124. He finished his career +597. He won two Art Ross trophies as a defenseman, and was one of those players that was so freaking tough, he hardly ever had to fight, because he was so feared because of his strength.
Wayne Gretzky had the greatest all time stats in hockey.
But Bobby Orr, was the greatest Hockey player of all time if you look at the big picture. I have always wondered, what kind of numbers he could have put up, with his god given talent, as a Centre? I would almost bet he would have shattered and would still hold, every single season record in the NHL.
While not disagreeing with your point, +/- statistics included powerplay situations during that era. That one statistic is always a little overblown with Bobby.
While not disagreeing with your point, +/- statistics included powerplay situations during that era. That one statistic is always a little overblown with Bobby.
If true i'm guessing it's still way higher than everyone else of that era. Also the fact he was on for the pk would negate that advantage anyway wouldn't it?
While not disagreeing with your point, +/- statistics included powerplay situations during that era. That one statistic is always a little overblown with Bobby.
Boston Globe Article About Bobby Orr
