Bobby Orr revolutionized the game of hockey with his speed and offensive skill. While fans remember his flying goal, his career involved massive physical pain and financial betrayal. For instance, he played on knees that had essentially no cartilage left. Furthermore, his own agent hid a contract offer that would have made him an owner of the Boston Bruins. Prepare to hit the ice with the legend.
Boby Orr
He signed his first professional contract at age twelve. The Boston Bruins spotted him at a youth tournament in Ontario. Consequently, they signed him immediately to a junior deal to prevent other teams from stealing him.
Boby Orr played games without wearing any socks. He forgot to pack them for a game during his junior career. However, he liked the feeling of the leather boot against his skin, so he never wore them again.
His agent stole a massive fortune from him. Alan Eagleson lied to Orr about a contract offer from the Bruins. Specifically, the team offered him 18.5 percent ownership, but Eagleson hid this fact to send him to Chicago instead.
He remains the only defenseman to win the scoring title. In 1970, he led the entire league in points to win the Art Ross Trophy. Remarkably, he repeated this impossible feat again in 1975.
The famous “flying goal” photo happened by accident. Photographer Ray Lussier only sat in that corner because the assigned photographer went to buy a beer. Thus, he captured the iconic image of Orr soaring through the air to win the Stanley Cup.
He holds the record for the highest plus-minus rating. In the 1970-71 season, he finished with a rating of plus-124. This record stands as one of the most unbreakable statistics in professional sports history.
Boby Orr underwent more than a dozen knee surgeries. His aggressive style of play destroyed his joints completely. Therefore, he had to retire at the young age of 30 because he could barely walk.
He became the first NHL player to earn a million dollars. In 1971, he signed a five-year contract worth $200,000 per season. This deal shattered the salary ceiling for professional hockey players at the time.
He refused to cash his paychecks from Chicago. He felt guilty that his injuries prevented him from playing. Consequently, he returned the money to the Blackhawks because he believed he did not earn it.
The Hall of Fame waived the waiting period for him. Usually, a player must wait three years after retirement to enter the Hall. However, the committee inducted him immediately in 1979 at age 31.
He won eight consecutive Norris Trophies. This award recognizes the best defender in the league. Orr dominated the position so thoroughly that he won it every single year from 1968 to 1975.
He worked as a ticket checker after retirement. He wanted to understand the business side of the arena. Thus, he briefly worked in the stands to see how the fans experienced the game.
He has two different statues in Boston. One stands outside the TD Garden, depicting his famous flying goal. The other stands near his first home rink, honoring his connection to the city.
Boby Orr caught a 60-pound salmon in Alaska. Orr loves fishing almost as much as hockey. He spends his free time traveling to remote rivers to catch massive fish.
Finally, he assists former players with their medical bills. He quietly helps retired enforcers and teammates who struggle with money. He pays for their surgeries and rehabilitation without seeking any public credit.
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