The Hockey Legacy of Jean Béliveau
Born on August 31, 1931, in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Jean Béliveau grew up in a hockey-loving family and quickly emerged as a prodigy. His junior career with the Quebec Citadels and later the Quebec Aces showcased his extraordinary talent, leading to a fierce bidding war between the Montreal Canadiens and the Quebec Senior Hockey League. The Canadiens eventually signed him to a then-unprecedented five-year contract in 1953, marking the beginning of an era-defining career.
Béliveau's impact on the Canadiens was immediate. In his first full NHL season (1953-54), he scored 37 goals and won the Art Ross Trophy. His leadership on and off the ice earned him the captaincy in 1961, a role he held for a decade. Under his guidance, the Canadiens dominated the 1960s, winning five consecutive Stanley Cups from 1956 to 1960 and adding five more by 1971. His performance in the 1965 playoffs, where he scored eight goals in 13 games while battling injury, remains legendary.
After retiring in 1971, Béliveau transitioned seamlessly into an executive role with the Canadiens, contributing to seven more Stanley Cup victories. His influence extended beyond hockey, as he became a revered ambassador for the sport and a philanthropist. His grace, humility, and dedication to community service earned him the Order of Canada and widespread admiration. Jean Béliveau passed away on December 2, 2014, but his legacy endures as a symbol of excellence and integrity in hockey.
- Milestone 1: In 1956, Béliveau scored the Cup-winning goal in overtime against Detroit, securing Montreal's first of five straight championships.
- Milestone 2: Won the Hart Trophy twice (1956, 1964) and the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1965 as playoff MVP.
- Milestone 3: Scored 507 career goals and 1,219 points, becoming one of the first players to surpass 500 goals.
- Milestone 4: Captained the Canadiens to five Stanley Cups, including the iconic 1969 victory over the St. Louis Blues.
- Milestone 5: His No. 4 jersey was retired by the Canadiens in 1971, and he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972.
- Milestone 6: Named one of the '100 Greatest NHL Players' in 2017, solidifying his place among hockey's immortals.
- Milestone 7: His leadership extended to Team Canada in the 1972 Summit Series, where he served as an advisor.