In conversation with Lanny McDonald on Hockey Night in Canada earlier this season, Ron MacLean made an interesting point: Has there ever been a player so beloved in two cities Lanny McDonald?
The mustachioed McDonald remains incredibly popular in both Toronto and Calgary. In many ways he was the face of both franchises, at least for his generation.
So that got me wondering - what other players would also be in Lanny's unusual standing as a double hero. I found a few:
Mark Messier - Edmonton's hometown hero became Manhattan's Messiah. Like Lanny McDonald he remains an eternal legend in both cities.
Wayne Gretzky - Edmonton's King went Hollywood in 1988. Perhaps The Great One has left Hollywood's consciousness to some degree after his departure, but he truly transcended the sport unlike almost any other athlete at the time.
Bobby Hull - Chicago's all time great truly became a Golden Jet when he joined the WHA Winnipeg Jets. Neither of the two NHL versions of the Winnipeg Jets have aligned themselves with Hull as much as one would expect, but he will always have a special place in hockey history in Manitoba.
Patrick Roy - Montreal goaltending great left the Habs in a messy divorce, but patched things up in recent years. Roy of course became a legend with the Colorado Avalanche, too, and has since returned as coach.
What other players do you consider legendary in multiple markets?
No comments:
Post a Comment