Mario Lemieux
Introduction:
Mario Lemieux was born on October 5th, 1965 and was a professional Canadian hockey player. He won three MVP awards and ranked first in all-time points per game in 2002; what’s more, he led the Penguins to two Stanley Cups and even led the Canadian team to win gold at the Olympics for the first time in 50 years. Lemieux faced many injuries in his career, beating Hodgkin’s disease and promptly winning two more titles afterwards.
Early life:
Lemieux was born on the outskirts of Montreal on October 5th, 1965. He started skating between two and three years, and began playing hockey at six. In 10th grade, Lemieux dropped out to focus on hockey, playing for the Laval Voisins in Quebec’s Major Junior Hockey League; he scored 282 points and 133 goals. In 1984, he won Rookie of the Year and helped the Penguins become more and more competitive, bringing in money for the team and increasing attendance by over 45%.
Awards:
1984-85 NHL Calder Memorial Trophy
1985-86 NHL Lester B. Pearson Trophy
1987-88 NHL Art Ross Trophy
1987-88 NHL Hart Memorial Trophy
1987-88 NHL Lester B. Pearson Trophy
1988-89 NHL Art Ross Trophy
1990-91 NHL Conn Smythe Trophy
1991-92 NHL Art Ross Trophy
1991-92 NHL Conn Smythe Trophy
1992-93 NHL Art Ross Trophy
1992-93 NHL Hart Memorial Trophy
1992-93 NHL Bill Masterton Trophy
1992-93 NHL Lester B. Pearson Trophy
1995-96 NHL Art Ross Trophy
1995-96 NHL Hart Memorial Trophy
1995-96 NHL Lester B. Pearson Trophy
1996-97 NHL Art Ross Trophy
Hodgkin’s disease:
In 1992, Lemieux found a lump on his neck that was removed and found to be Hodgkin’s disease. Hodgkin’s disease, or Hodgkin’s lymphoma, is a cancer of the lymph nodes, which can usually be treated if found early. Lemieux underwent radiation treatment for the lymphoma, and returned to playing just two months after finishing treatment, scoring a goal and assisting against the Flyers upon his return. Later that year, Lemieux started the Mario Lemieux Foundation to help patients battling the same disease.
Other Injuries:
In 1989-1990, Lemieux had a herniated disc and missed 21 games. Recovery after back surgery caused him to miss 50 games in 1990 to 1991, but he returned quickly and helped the Penguins win their first Stanley Cup.
In the playoffs, his left hand broke, but he returned to play after five games and helped the Penguins win another Stanley Cup.
For the 1993-94 season, he missed 75% of the games due to a herniated muscle in his back Returning two seasons later, Lemieux scored a total of 122 points.
In 2001-02, he got a hip injury that reduced the number of games he could play, but he still led the Canadian team to their first Olympic Gold medal in 50 years.
Retirement:
After having fulfilled the dream of winning gold at the Olympics, Lemieux played a few more seasons with the Penguins before announcing a final retirement in 2006.
Conclusion:
Mario Lemieux was one of the greatest Canadian hockey players of all time, winning multiple awards and helping the Penguins become a more competitive team. Despite facing many injuries, he was successful and came back every time to lead his team to greatness. Lemieux even started a foundation to help others who have the same type of lymphoma as him, Hodgkin’s disease. He had a successful career until retiring in 2006.
Sources:
“Mario Lemieux Stats and News.” Official Site of the National Hockey League, www.nhl.com/player/mario-lemieux-8448782. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.
“Mario Lemieux.” Hockey DB, www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=3105. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.
Schwartz, Larry. “Mario Was Super despite the Obstacles.” ESPN, ESPN Internet Ventures, www.espn.com/classic/biography/s/Lemieux_Mario.html#:~:text=He%20was%20born%20on%20Oct,his%20first%20game%20at%20six. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.
“Hodgkin Lymphoma | Hodgkin Disease | Lymphoma.” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/hodgkinlymphoma.html#:~:text=Hodgkin%20lymphoma%2C%20also%20called%20Hodgkin,and%20carry%20white%20blood%20cells. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.
Mario’s Story - Mario Lemieux Foundation, Mario Lemieux Foundation, mariolemieux.org/about/marios-story/. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.