Robert Gordon “Bobby” Orr, a former professional ice hockey player, is widely recognized as one of the greatest players in the history of the game. With his exceptional speed and play-making abilities, Orr revolutionized the way ice hockey was played during his 13-year career. Born into a family of sportsmen, Orr’s passion for sports was evident from a young age. Despite his small stature, he displayed remarkable talent and dedication, eventually becoming a key player in the Boston Bruins for ten seasons before joining the Chicago Black Hawks. Notably, Orr holds the record for most points and assists in a single season as a defenceman. Beyond his playing days, Orr continues to contribute to the sport by scouting for new talent and mentoring young players. Additionally, he is renowned for his philanthropy and charitable endeavors.
Quick Facts
- Canadian Celebrities Born In March Also Known As: Robert Gordon OrrAge: 75 Years, 75 Year Old Males
- Family:Spouse/Ex-: Margaret Louise Wood (m. 1973)father: Doug Orrmother: Arvasiblings: Doug Jr., Patricia, Penny, Ronniechildren: Brent, DarrenBorn Country: Canada
- Quotes By Bobby Orr
- Ice Hockey Players
- Height: 6’0″ (183 cm), 6’0″ MalesMore Factsawards: 1967 – Calder Memorial Trophy (rookie of the year) 1968 – James Norris Trophy 1975 – James Norris Trophy 1969 – Art Ross Trophy 1970 – Art Ross Trophy 1974 – Art Ross Trophy 1975 – Art Ross Trophy 1970 – Hart Memorial Trophy 1972 – Hart Memorial Trophy 1970 – Conn Smythe Trophy 1972 – Conn Smythe Trophy 1970 – Lou Marsh Trophy for Canadian athlete of the year 1970 – Sports Illustrated magazine’s Award for Sportsman of the Year 1975 – Lester B. Pearson Award 1979 – Lester Patrick Trophy
Childhood & Early Life
Bobby Orr was born as one of the five children of Doug Orr and his wife Arva Steele. His grandfather was a soccer player while his father was a one-time aspiring hockey player who dropped his sporting dreams to join the Royal Canadian Navy to serve during World War II. Orr started playing hockey in 1953 when he was just five years old. He played as a forward until he was 10 when his coach moved him to defense. He played in several youth hockey tournaments as a youngster.
Career
Orr caught the attention of the Boston Bruins in 1961 while he was playing in a youth hockey tournament. Other teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings were also interested in signing him, but he chose to sign with the Bruins in 1962. He made his debut as a junior in the 1962-63 season in the new Metro Junior A League. Orr was only 14 yet he was competing against much older players in the age group 18-20. His performance improved during the next two seasons, and he had a great time during the 1965-66 season, during which he scored 38 goals and finished with 94 points.
He started playing for the Bruins as a professional during the 1966-67 season. He made his debut against the Detroit Red Wings, getting one assist. During that season, he managed to score 13 goals and 28 assists, which was an unprecedented achievement by a defenseman till then. He was named the league’s outstanding rookie and was presented the Calder Memorial Trophy. He could, however, play only 46 games during the 1967-68 season as he suffered from injuries ranging from a collarbone fracture to a shoulder separation. Despite the injuries, he was named to the NHL’s First All-Star team.
He had an awesome season during 1968-69, even though he was in constant pain as his injuries had not healed completely. However, he played outstandingly and scored his first hat trick against Chicago with two assists for a five-point night. His scoring total doubled during the 1969-70 season. He led the Bruins through the 1970 playoffs and scored a historic goal that gave Boston its first Stanley Cup since 1941. He led the Bruins to the Stanley Cup in the 1972 playoffs again and scored the championship-winning goal against New York. He won the MVP award at the 1972 NHL All-Star game.
In 1973, he made the record for the most points in a game by a defenseman, scoring 3 goals and 4 assists against the New York Rangers. The very next season, he broke his own record for goals by a defenseman and scored 46 goals with 89 assists. His final season with the Bruins was 1975-76. His contract ended that season. He signed with the Chicago Black Hawks in June 1976. However, he could play only 26 games for them as he was constantly plagued by injuries. He retired in 1978.
Awards & Achievements
Renowned as the greatest ever hockey player, Bobby Orr amassed 270 goals and 645 assists in 657 games. He was the first defenseman to score nine hat tricks and also the first one to score 40 goals in a single season. In 1970, he was presented with the Lou Marsh Trophy that is given to honor Canada’s top athletes. He is a two-time winner of the Art Ross Trophy (1969-70 and 1974-75).
Personal Life & Legacy
Bobby Orr married Margaret Louise Wood, a speech therapist, in 1973. They have two sons. Bobby Orr became a grandfather in 2009. He is well known for his charitable work, especially for his contributions to the Multiple Sclerosis Society. He is a shy person who prefers to keep the information of his charitable works away from the media.
Trivia
At 31, this great ice hockey player was the youngest to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.