Top 10 Facts about Mario Lemieux

Top 10 Facts about Mario Lemieux

When talking about ice hockey, the name Mario Lemieux stands out because he is a legend in the sport. Lemieux was born to change the way people thought about ice hockey as he showed the world that he had no limits to what he would achieve. The hockey superstar was born in 1965 in Montreal, Canada where he was raised and began his ice hockey career.

As a young boy, Lemieux developed an early interest in ice hockey and did not wait for long before showcasing his supernatural talent. He was naturally talented because he shocked people who watched him play, with his flair, playmaking abilities, and scoring. Realizing his talent earlier helped Lemieux to sharpen his skills by practicing several hours every day. Those who watched him as a young boy were convinced that he was destined to become the greatest ice hockey player of all time.

He would be spotted by Pittsburg Penguins where he began his high-flying career as a professional hockey player. We can’t ignore the challenges that Lemieux faced during his career including beating cancer. He was a determined hockey player and human who put people’s needs ahead of his. Lemieux is also a philanthropist who has dedicated most of his later life to helping the vulnerable people in his country and across the world. Apart from his success in hockey, Lemieux has received several awards in his country and there is a lot to know about him.

The following are the top ten facts about Mario Lemieux:

1. Mario Lemieux was an extraordinary Child

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Mario Lemieux was an extraordinary child who made people believe that he would one day be the greatest ice hockey player. At three years, he was already showing his ice skating skills which left many people surprised. He had a natural talent for the game because he did not struggle to learn skating and later on playing the game. He showed early signs of greatness and went on to become the greatest ice hockey player in Canada and the world.

Also see: The 30 Greatest Hockey Players of All Time

2. His Family Played an Important Role in his Early Stages of his Career

Developing as a young talent needs parental and family support for one to become the best one can be. Lemieux had a caring family who were by his side throughout his early development in the game. His older brother was a key figure in his early development and sharpening his skills. His brother helped him by practicing with him every day to ensure that young Lemieux was safe and played in the best environment.

3. He won both the Olympic Gold Medal and the World Cup

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As a hockey player, the world cup is the ultimate tournament and everyone desires to have the medal in his collection. Lemieux was an impressive player who helped his Canadian hockey team to win the hockey world cup in 2004. His performance in the tournament was key for the team to defeat the Finland hockey team in the final. The Olympic gold medal is another achievement that many players admire and Lemieux was good enough to win two. He was the main man in both Olympics which made the Canadian team difficult to compete against.

4. He Won the Stanley Cup both as a Player and Owner of a Club

Lemieux won the Stanley Cup when he played for the Pittsburg penguin in 1991. He had an impressive season as they won the cup. Lemieux was celebrated by his team and everyone in the city, giving him the nickname “Super Mario” after the season. After becoming the owner of his boyhood club, Lemieux revolutionized the team, with his leadership skills and helped them to win another Stanley Cup in 2009. He became the first man in history to win the Cup as a player and owner of a club.

5. He feared Interviews despite being a Hockey Star and Legend

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Lemieux was an ice hockey superstar and legend but was not immune to fear. He had one fear that he could not ignore throughout his career. He did not like interviews and would do anything possible to avoid media attention. Whenever he was interviewed, Lemieux felt uncomfortable and sometimes failed to answer questions asked by interviewers. However, the fear did little to his game as he would go on to become the best hockey player that we have ever witnessed in the history of the sport.

6. Mario Lemieux is a Philanthropist 

The Mario Lemieux Foundation was started by the hockey legend to facilitate cancer treatment and prevention in Canada and around the world. He has generously contributed his money and raised more than nine million dollars that would be given to charities and used for research to find long-lasting cures for cancer. He has also used his money to help those affected by cancer thus making a huge impact in the world.

Find out: Top 10 Interesting Facts about Steve Yzerman

7. Mario Lemieux set unbroken World Records

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Mario Lemieux is a history maker and a hockey legend whose record of five hundred points has not been broken. He had an incredible career as a player with special skills and scoring abilities. He averaged at least two points per game throughout his career. There has never been any other player that matched or even came closer to Lemieux’s achievement. His achievements in hockey earned him a spot in the hockey hall of Fame which cemented his legacy in the sport.

8. Mario Lemieux became a Legend at the Age of Nineteen 

When Lemieux was nineteen, he already had more than a hundred points to his name as a rookie player. Many players fail to reach the feat in their mid-twenties and therefore Lemieux must have been a special player. He had attracted crowds and many people loved him for his talent and skills. He won people’s hearts and became the most popular player in the national hockey league. His early achievements foreshadowed his bright future and many people would not wait to see their favorite player become the legend of ice hockey.

9. He retired Temporarily due to Back Pain Issues 

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After having a peak career, Lemieux was dealt with a blow when he experienced repeated back issues. He had to take a short break from the game to focus on his health which was deteriorating fast. However, his love for the game drove him to make a comeback to the sport. Lemieux returned to play ice hockey at the highest level because he wanted to help his tea and country in the game. He was willing to endure the pain as long as he made a difference in the game.

10. He was awarded the most valuable player in the NHL

Mario Lemieux was awarded the most valuable player in the NHL on three occasions. He also received a Calder trophy, a Masterton trophy, and an Olympic gold medal. Winning the Stanley Cup in 1991 and 1992 with the Pittsburg Penguins made Lemieux the most popular ice hockey player in the world. He would later become inducted into the hockey hall of Fame.

Mario Lemieux had an impressive career as a hockey player cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time. His life in Montreal, Canada was marked by his career in ice hockey. Beginning his career as a teenager, Lemieux showed signs of becoming the greatest hockey player at an early age. He made history with the Pittsburg Penguins where he had an impressive career scoring the highest points that has ever been achieved in the history of the sport. He had a loving family who helped him to grow into the greatest hockey player on the planet. However, apart from playing hockey, Lemieux is a philanthropist who has had an impact on society. His Mario Lemieux Foundation has helped in combating cancer in Canada and other parts of the world. He deserved to be inducted into the hockey hall of Fame to cement his legacy as the legend of the game.