Defender who played over 700 NHL games, known for his physical play and Stanley Cup championship with the St. Louis Blues in 2019.
As a stalwart defenseman in the National Hockey League, Robert Bortuzzo is known for his rugged yet skilled play, which has earned him a lengthy career with several top-tier teams. Perhaps most notably, he became the first Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL) alumnus to hoist the Stanley Cup, doing so with the St. Louis Blues in 2019.
Born on March 18, 1989, in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Bortuzzo grew up in a hockey-loving family. His father, Oscar, was a former major junior goaltender and eventual inductee into the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame. Robert's early success on the ice was not limited to hockey; he was also an accomplished baseball player, co-captaining his little league team to the Senior League World Series.
The Pittsburgh Penguins selected Bortuzzo 78th overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. He began his junior hockey career with the Fort William North Stars, winning an SIJHL championship and Dudley Hewitt Cup. After being drafted by the Windsor Spitfires, he was later traded to the Kitchener Rangers, where he drew comparisons to Fedor Tyutin and established himself as a legitimate NHL prospect.
Bortuzzo's path to the NHL is a testament to his perseverance and dedication. As the first SIJHL alumnus to win the Stanley Cup, he has inspired a generation of junior hockey players in Northwestern Ontario. His grandfather, Sergio, was a volunteer at Thunder Bay's DaVinci Centre, and an annual bocce tournament is held in his name.
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007-08 | Kitchener Rangers | 52 | 2 | 10 | 12 |
| 2008-09 | Kitchener Rangers | 63 | 4 | 23 | 27 |
As Robert Bortuzzo continues his NHL journey, his legacy as a SIJHL pioneer and Stanley Cup champion will undoubtedly inspire future generations of hockey players.
36 Years Old
Defender who has played in the NHL for the St. Louis Blues and Vegas Golden Knights, winning the Stanley Cup in 2019. Known for his strong two-way play and leadership on the ice.
34 Years Old
Russian right winger and captain of the St. Louis Blues, known for his exceptional speed, skill, and goal-scoring ability, leading his team to a Stanley Cup championship in 2019.
35 Years Old
Centerman who won the Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues in 2019 and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. Known for his two-way play and clutch performances.
40 Years Old
Centerman who played for several NHL teams, including the Colorado Avalanche, St. Louis Blues, and Vegas Golden Knights, known for his consistent scoring and playmaking ability.
34 Years Old
A talented forward in the National Hockey League, known for his scoring prowess and physical play, helping his teams make deep playoff runs.
38 Years Old
Professional ice hockey winger who has played for several NHL teams, including the St. Louis Blues, and is a two-time NHL All-Star.
39 Years Old
American ice hockey player known for his impressive skills on the ice, particularly his accuracy in shootouts, and being a key player in the NHL.
