Ace Burpee–Humanitarian, humorist, community advocate, media personality, skateboard enthusiast, friend to many, HOCKEY LOVER! The Believe in the Goal Foundation is honored to consider amongst its special friends, Mr. “Ace” Burpee of HOT103 FM. Always at the ready when called upon to emcee or host a B.I.G. event or fundraising activity, Ace is now going public with his “Favourite 34 Hockey Players of All-time!” Come back each week throughout the year for a sneak peek into the mind of a true Canadian hockey afficianado, prognosticator and historian... and soon to be, new GM of the returning Winnipeg Jets!
Maurice Richard
There is nobody as great as The Rocket. I would rank him my all-time favourite. Try scoring 50 goals in 50 games when everyone on the opposing team is literally trying to take your head off. This is back when they were allowed to try and take your head off. People talk about "violence in hockey these days". Maybe they aren't aware what it used to be like. The Rocket took a beating, and was more than willing to dish it out as well. He could take your high sticks to the face, score two goals, and still find time to knock you out. If you've never seen "The Rocket" (the movie), watch it. I own it and I've watched it a million times. It might be my favourite movie ever next to Dumb & Dumber. Maurice was the most famous and popular player in a province that demanded only the best. He probably played under more hometown pressure than anyone in the history of sports. He didn't bail. He's not LeBron. When The Rocket passed away, The Montreal Expos wore #9 on their jerseys, the only time in history a player in a different sport has been honoured on a MLB jersey. His funeral was broadcast on national TV. The Rocket is the greatest. Ever.
