Legendary right-winger who won 10 Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens, earning the nickname "Roadrunner" for his speed and scoring prowess.
Yvan Cournoyer, also known as "The Roadrunner," is a Canadian former professional hockey right winger who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Montreal Canadiens for 16 seasons, from 1963-64 to 1978-79, winning an impressive 10 Stanley Cups.
Cournoyer's most notable achievement was scoring the tying goal in game eight of the 1972 Canada-USSR series, which led to Canada's dramatic win in the series. He was also inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1982 and named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in history in 2017.
Born on November 22, 1943, in Drummondville, Quebec, Cournoyer started his junior ice hockey career with the Montreal Junior Canadiens of the Ontario Hockey Association in 1961. By the time he was 18, his legs had become so muscular that he required specially tailored pants.
Cournoyer made his NHL debut in 1963 with the Montreal Canadiens and earned a full-time spot with the club in 1964 after just seven games with the American Hockey League's Quebec Aces. Initially, Canadiens head coach Toe Blake regarded Cournoyer as a defensive liability and undeserving of a regular shift, but this changed after Blake's departure following the Canadiens' 1968 Stanley Cup Championship, when incoming coach Claude Ruel granted Cournoyer a full-time shift.
Cournoyer's nickname "The Roadrunner" was due to his small size and blazing speed, which he credited to longer blades on his skates.
Cournoyer's impact on hockey cannot be overstated. His speed, skill, and determination made him a beloved figure in the NHL, and his numerous awards and accolades are a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.
Cournoyer's work ethic and passion for hockey have inspired countless young players, and his contributions to the sport have cemented his place as one of the greatest players of all time.
Throughout his career, Cournoyer's blazing speed and agility earned him the respect of his peers and fans alike, solidifying his status as a hockey legend.
94 Years Old
Legendary Montreal Canadiens captain and four-time Stanley Cup champion, known for his exceptional leadership and scoring prowess.
Born in 1921
Legendary hockey player and coach, known for being the first to score 50 goals in a single season and leading the Montreal Canadiens to eight Stanley Cup championships.
89 Years Old
A Hall of Fame center who won a record 11 Stanley Cup championships with the Montreal Canadiens, earning the nickname "The Pocket Rocket" for his speed and agility.
97 Years Old
Goalie pioneer who introduced the first goalie mask and won six Stanley Cups with Montreal Canadiens, revolutionizing the sport with innovative playing style and equipment.
96 Years Old
Legendary goalie who backstopped the Montreal Canadiens to four Stanley Cup championships, known for his unorthodox style and charismatic personality.
Born in 1912
Legendary coach who led the Montreal Canadiens to eight Stanley Cup championships, and is considered one of the greatest coaches in NHL history.
Born in 1925
Built a hockey empire by transforming the Montreal Canadiens into a dynasty, winning nine Stanley Cups as their general manager. He's also credited with shaping the modern NHL.
78 Years Old
A Hall of Fame goalie who won six Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens, and later became a prominent politician and lawyer, known for his advocacy on social issues.
