Hockey Night in Canada: By The Numbers

I love the Rocket...but...Howe plays his first ever game in Montreal and the Rocket pushes him around a little. Gordie knocks him out cold. One punch. Who's the tough guy now? #9.

In regards to No. 9, I believe the honour belongs to none other than Mr. Gordie Howe. Don't get me wrong, with the likes of Maurice Richard or Bobby Hull, these guys were also amazing in their own way but, the great Gordie Howe, with his longevity in the game, his determination, his forever smile and the great numbers he posted, will in my books always be the greatest No. 9.

I think it is Maurice Richard, because he has the heart of a player and he has many talents. I like the move were he goes to the side and pops it in. His speed is fast.

Gordie Howe, Was The Greatest Power Forward to play the game. He was a consumate 2 way player. Maurice(Rocket) Richard, Was probably was more exciting to watch. He had the heart of lion. He set standards that are benchmarks today. He scored 50 goals in 50 games they only played 50 at the time. And those 50 goals he scored against the 5 best goalies in the world and the 30 best defenceman.And he never won a scoring championship. and 544goals is still a benchmark.

When I think of number 9 I envision Bobby Hull and Gordie Howe. Maurice Richard was, according to all accounts, a marvelous hockey player; however, I never envision him. Hull was not quite on par with Howe. I vote for Gordie Howe because he was, through the years, incredibly talented and tough. Seeing old pictures and highlight reels, confirms that Gordie was a prince of a man in his majestic red and white Red Wings jersey, with the famous number 9 emblazoned on the back. Mr. Hockey--- the complete player!

The Rocket is a legend an a god in Quebec, where hockey is more than a religion.

But Howe was the better overall player.

How Modano is above Bucyk, I don't get that.

Without a doubt Gordie Howe!

I am 61 years old and raised in the hocky hotbeds of Northern Ontario and North Western Quebec. I have been privileged to have been able to see both of the "great number 9's" and would have to give the nod to the "Rocket".
Though Gordie Howe is still Mr Hockey, Maurice the Rocket brought an intensity to his game that seems to have been lost in today's high priced and "feed my ego" game.

Mike Modano couldn't hold Charlie Conacher's jock strap. Check out your history. Conacher was one of the best players of all time. He should be behind only Howe, Richard, and Hull on your list.

I'm old enough to have watched both the
" Rocket " and " Mr. Hockey ". Richard was explosive and exciting with a passion for scoring goals. Howe contributed in all aspects of the game. If you were talking exciting I'd put the " Rocket " ahead of " Gordie ". This discussion heading talks about greatest, though. I'll go along with that Montreal fan, Ben Cummins - I'm a bit surprised to note Maurice seems to be getting a bit more support here overall but Gordie tops my list for the greatest # " 9 " player.

Gordie, the ultimate package, score, fight, lead and play until he was an old man. No one will touch his longevity in the game. He fought with his fists and grit with other players, Maurice fought with his stick and beat referees.

It will always be the same question about the two speaking language of this country...
The Rocket vs Howe
Lemieux vs Gretzky
Bourque vs Orr
Roy vs Sawchuk

For me I choose The Rocket because he had fire in his eyes and if he had played as many games as Howe, he would had scored many more goals than Gordie.. And in the playoff, The Rocket have still records even today, close to fifty years after his retirement...

Incredible
YvesB.

glenn anderson. no arguement needed

My vote is for Mark Bell!!

The number 9 on the back of the Canadian dollar bill is to honour The Rocket.

Thank God Richard did not defected to the Quebec Senior Hockey League, he would have been name a greedy racist who played for money not for the love of it. Taking of money, lets see how much How got during his career and How Much Mr. Richard got from his stay in Montreal and from the Molson family same with Lemieux in Pittsburg gave him a bankrupt team while Gretz carry on with a blank check.

Rocket played the game and was a marked man from the league & the entire country despises him because for whom he was a winner at hart, not on paper but at hart.

Thank you Rocket & Pocket because of you my sons carry on ….

And thank you Alliance Films for The Rocket,

Vive les Canadians Francais

Never let anybody look down upon us, some see it as arrogance some see it as pride.

They'll be more 9's coming, so let's find a solution to share this famous number.

Maurice Richard is without a doubt the greatest player ever to wear the number 9 ... he might even be the greatest hockey player of all time ... he won games by himself

Which number 9 was the focus of "The Hockey Sweater?" Case closed.

I think that Gordie Howe was the greatest hockey player. It stood up for himself against the Detroit Regime long before unions. He has the heart of a winner on both the ice and in the community. Maybe generations of young hockey players in Quebec idolized the Rocket but english Canada and especially western Canada was proud to call him the greatest player. I look at Wayne and Bobby and do not see the player that could hit you with the open ice check or the fight that changes the rhythum of a game. Gordie lasted as long as he did because he used his hockey smarts to beat the younger players. Can Wayne or any of the player on list compete with players that are thirty years there jumior.

I'm only 53 so I never got to see The Rocket, I did see Howe. Comparing their relative merits can be spread across so many categories (goals, assists, stanley cups, career games, we could go on ad nauseum) will not answer the question. It seems to me, and I'm a leaf fan, that the nod has to go, by the slimist of possible margins, to The Rocket. If for no other reason than the stories my father told me about Clarence Campbell and the Montreal riots. I'd be happy to have either on my team but to command such emotion from the fans is a factor that Howe didn't have. My question back which maybe cannot be answered is ... when the Rocket put on the number 9 did anybody back in the day say, "wait a minute you think you got the chops to wear so and so's number?"

In any case, in my mind, it's really too close to call but since a call was called for, I made a call.

Its interesting to see the comments based purely on emotion. English fans saying Mr. Hockey and French fans saying The Rocket. I was never able to see either of them play. Nor could I even tell you their numbers off the top of my. Montreal is a very very hard city to play in or for. Based on pure stats Mr. Hockey gets my pick. Based on everything else that makes a hockey who they are I would have to say The Rocket.

What a thrill to see 5 ex Maple Leafs in Scott's top 10 Number 9s. Even if.... for s short period of time.

Gordie and 99 may have the stats however the rocket achieved everything in spite of racism and bigotry. Foreigners and Locals revere our game for its combination of grace and sheer grit. Nothing demonstrates this more than succeeding in the face of such petty obstacles. Jackie is the king of baseball and the Rocket in hockey.

I got to see both the Rocket as well as Gordie play and feel pretty lucky to have done so. They both had great impact on and off the ice but in their absolute prime, best year against best year, I give the edge to the Rocket. For total playing impact however, how can you question the total service given by Gordie Howe. Tough question to answer. Just to note I think Paul Kariya would have been on this list by now and near the top, but lets face it he really has not been the same player since "the hit". Its really a shame.

And as an aside, to the guy going on about Quebec born, French player being ranked second best etc., get over it buddy, the whining truly hurts your cause. You want to know what? people are tired of it and it has no bearing to the point.

Richard was true grit and also proved his worth with many Stanley Cups

Richard by far, he had more passion and did more for the NHL then Howe. The number was significant to Richard and to Howe, it just ment a better seat.

Richard. He has become almost mythic...there was more to his presence than hockey. coule "Le Chandial" or anything like it have been written about Howe? Have you ever seen the picture of Sugar Jim Henry practically bowing to him? Would Al Purdy (or was it Irving Layton?) have written a poem about Howe? In Canada, for Canadians, there is more to hockey than what happens on the ice. Nope. Sorry. Howe was great, but played in the 'States, and now seems more of an American story than a Canadian one.

Hi,

I have not met either man, but as a person who personifies what hockey represents in the game and in our society, I would have to give the edge to Mr. Gordie Howe. His contribution off ice stands as a testament to the depth of the man and certainly is in the same category as our friend with the double 9's.

Namaste,

Rhodee

What about Mark bell ?????????? HAHAHAHA

No question. How about this #9 from the wings.
Mr. Hockey Gordie Howe.

Wow... it's not until you see the list that you realize how stacked the number 9 really is. That's ridiculous.

I'll go with Howe for many of the reasons said below. It's not just because I'm a Detroiter (Which I am), but I'd agree that he was definitely one of the most well-rounded players in the game, if not the most well-rounded player in the game. I have all the respect in the world for Richard (My French-Canadian family members have given me a natural love for Montreal as my perennial favorite in the East), but Howe did bring Hockey to America, and not the way that Gary Bettman did. He did it in a good way, and he is part of the reason that hockey grew from 6 to expand out into America.

Clearly Gordie was the best ever. He could score,check,fight and lead his team. Rocket was an explosive scorer but that was it.

The Rocket was the most exciting player to ever lace up skates. Howe was a close second.

Howe was no doubt the best all-round player to wear #9, but the most exciting and charismatic player (of any #) had to be Maurice Richard.

The best there was, the best there ever will be!! THE ROCKET hands down.

Comparing The Rocket to Howe is impossible. The Rocket pretty much gave birth to the concept of hockey, he broke - no wait, created records that players to this day strive to reach.
Howe was good in his day, but he didn't revolutionlize hockey like the Rocket did.
Therefore, the Rocket is the best player to ever grace the ice as an NHL player.

Comparing Howe and Maurice Richard is like comparing apples and oranges. The number 9 is the Rocket's # and always will be. Howe is an afterthought.

Andy Bathgate is easily the best player ever to play the game, by a long shot and there never ever will be anyone who even comes close.

I am not sure why so many people are questioning Mike Modano's addition...

500+ goals
700+ assists

Very nearly a point per game...

Seems a no-brainer to me...

I also agree with the comment on Gordie following watching 'Net Worth'... I am not sure how accurate the representation was, but he certainly didn't look great in that film... with respect to character anyway...

But isn't the great one equal to Howe and Richard combined. After all they gave him two 9s. LOL!

How can you vote against the "Gordie Howe Hat Trick"?

1 goal, 1 assist, and 1 fight

The 3 best things about hockey.

Richard was a class act. He played with passion.
I remember Howe for his elbowing and dirty hits.
Gotta go with the Rocket.

I'm afraid that you have to double the 9's to 99. End of debate.

The ROCKET, of course. No matter how great Howe may have been, no one will ever be better than Richard. Plus I'm a Canadians fan as well, so it just goes to say that both he and his brother were my heroes (and Plante).

Good list, but honestly where is Paul Kariya? Part of one of the best duos in the history of the NHL with Selanne and he is again proving himself as a powerful force in the re-emergence of St. Louis.

I've read alot of comments about the cultural impact of Maurice Richard on Quebec...you have to remember that Gordie Howe put hockey on the map in the United States. The Red Wings were America's hockey team...the only one that could give Montreal and Toronto a run for their money...and Gordie was their guy! Wayne Gretzky did the same for hockey in the south when he was traded to LA. If you were an American hockey fan in the 50's and 60's, Gordie Howe was the reason why! Without Gordie you would not have the great American players that came out of the Detroit area in the last 20 years...like Modano, Lafontain, etc. Before Gordie, there were no American players.

Richard, hands down.

The only thing Howe had on him was longevity.

I am not at all surprised that Howe was picked by Hockey Night in Toronto.

While Maurice Richard was probably the purest goal scorer of his time, Gordie Howe was a more well rounded hockey player. Howe could score, play physical and back-check like no one else. Gordie is considered the original "power forward". Gordies only draw back was his lack of vision off of the ice, and the fact that he stayed to lang in the game, which proved to be an embarrassement to his overall career.

Gordie Howe was the greatest hockey palyer to ever live. He scored 100 points when he was 41 years old. At that point only Bobby Hull had scored 100 points.

I am a diehard Canadiens fan and Maurice Richard fan but unfortunatley he does not stack up to Gordie Howe.

Howe never had the pressure that Richard had, not even close. Maurice Richard had to bear with ALL the viscious hits given to him and deal with it on his own, because the league wouldn't do nothing about it. He also had to deal with all the racism that was going on at that time (there is still some today by the way, with the CCN posting a list of Lord Durham goals in 1837 on Sparks Street in Ottawa). RICHARD IS A PEOPLE'S HISTORY BY HIMSELF, Howe was good, but didn't have to "survive" like Richard did.

The Rocket was/is the greatest player to don the #9 sweeter, as a Frenchman is was a mark man like Wayne Gretzky, he was to fragile to play in the NHL. Not only Rocket show them wrong but he also won year after year after without ever winning the scoring championship.
The Rocket is/will be a hero for all French speaking Canadian around the country. The myth is still alive today; The Rocket is truly the greatest player ever to don the #9 not as an individual but as a team player a true captain worthy from his actions on / off the ice.

Seems the numbers may influence...
But regardless....
When one counts to 9, a Rocket comes to mind.

Maurice Richard, immortalize the number.

SP

LANNY!

Just out of curiosity, does anyone know of the individual stats of Richard and Howe when they played against one another?

All these players were great. I think though Richard, Hull and Anderson would come as my favourites. They were of different generations, different teams and working conditions and so on, so these factors would have to be taken into account.

cheers,

Maurice was the most colourful player of the listed No. 9s. 9. Off the ice, he was a model of integrity. Inspite of his reputed fiery temper, Richard helped to cool off the hotheads who objected to his suspension by Clarence Campbell at the end of the '55 season. As an ambassador, he also was more giving than Gordie. I saw him at more oldtimers games than I ever saw Gordie. For me, Gordie will always be tainted by his unwillingness to back his team mates when it came to forming a players union. The hardest choice for me was between Maurice and Ted Lindsay who ranks number two for his hard hitting game and attempt to form a players union.

How many times did Gordie score 50 goals in a single season? 50 in 50, I rest my case...

As a Michigan girl, I gotta go with Howe. I guess this (somewhat) emotional response will counter the Richard (somewhat) emotional responses. I really do think Howe was the better player, but admit that my opinion is very likely biased by opinions learned at my grandfather's knee.

Well there is no doubt that the Rocket was the best on and off the ice, All one has to do is ask Mr. Lindsay how great a man Howe was.....
The Golden Jet has to be ranked behind the Rocket

Maurice Richard was with a doubt the best ever.

This isn't a question about cultural impact, it is a question about hockey. Gordie Howe was a complete player. He was a leader, a scorer, and one tough hombre. Richard was a scorer with a propensity for swinging his stick and punching refs. This is as much a non-issue as asking who was the best #99.

I have to go with Marie Barsona. She played Ringett with the Glouester Deveil and won 2 National championshisp. She woar #9 and was a great player and Skater.....

Forget the jersey numbers -- the true hockey purists among us know that the greatest hockey players of all time were, in descending order:
1. Bobby Orr (#4)
2. Wayne Gretzky (#99)
3. Howe, Richard and the others ...
And, by the way I am a life long Leafs fan!
- L.L. in Louisiana

Most underrated #9 - Tony Tanti.

Averaged 40 goals a season over a five year stretch with the 'Nucks in the mid '80s.

As a 17 year old rookie in the OHL he had 81 goals 69 assists = 150 points in 67 games (played for the Oshawa Generals). 81 goals are still a rookie record for goals in the OHL.

By comparison, Weiner (#99) had 70 goals and 112 assists as a 17 year old in junior (with the Sault Greyhounds).

I can only imagine what would've been had Tanti played on the power play for Les Habs in the '50s.

Number 9 Belong to the Rocket. The simple fact that none of the other players on the list have a trophy named after them, should settle this argument.

The Rocket was not even the greatest number nine from the Quebec nation. That honour belongs to Real "Buddy" Cloutier, who with a week to go in the WHA season had scored 75 goals. He finished that week without another one. Esposito's record and federalism was safe for awhile longer.

Without a doubt, the Rocket is THE greatest no.9 of all time. He set the standard for which all goal scorers are measured.
Every time someone scores 50 goals in a season, he does it like the Rocket did, and every time someone reaches the 500 milestone, he does it like the Rocket did.
He might be gone, but he'll NEVER be forgotten. He inspired a nation and electrified crowds everywhere with unsurpassed passion for the game.

I think Howe is the best to ever wear number 9

Maurice Richard

richard hands down.

The answer is simple - what hockey jersey and number were most kids in Canada buying and wearing in the late 40s and throughout the 50s, as I did at that time growing up in rural Canada?
The Rocket!

how isnt richard first. we did a riot 4 him we never did that for howe.plus nobody ever showed the fire to win like he did.

Who is the greatest player ever to wear #9? Based on what criterias? Most of us never had the privilege to see them play, and the ones of us who were alive, probably just heard about them on radio because there weren't too many tvs back then.

History is written by the victors. I would rather hear from the soldiers themselves, then hear from the morning quaterbacks.

They Are both great.. Can't chose Richard was the first player to score 500 career goals and 50 in a season.

On the Other Hand Howe is the second highest point scorer In history and played the most All Star games with 22, and played the most seasons in the NHL Then any player did.

The best no. 9, Gordie Howe, no brainer

Howe can you not consider Gordie #1? 50+ years old and still an all star!!!

Gordie Howe - Number Nine and "Number 1 Number 9"!!!

Wow,what a topic,everyone's gonna nave a different list,or ranking...so here's mine.Hore and Richard are pretty much where they should be.Personally thouhg,The player I enjoyed watching the most was...Bobby Hull.When under full power,crossing center and starting to unload with those "banana"sticks" of his,goalies would start to pray...hard.Him and Lanny...great to watch.

The "Rocket", for sure.The question should read who is the second favorite number 9.

There will never be another player that represented so much to a people in a time of dispear and social oppresion, and brought so much anger to opponents fans.
"The Rocket"

Howe hands down

bobby hull was the best. hardest shot. tons of goals with the WHA, flashy guy, super strong.

Howe was not flashy but he was the best player when the WHA played the Russians when he was in his mid 40s.

rocket richard is just a montreal fabrication of a great player. no one like him except montreal cdn fans.

FROM AN UNBIASED AMERICAN HOCKEY FAN. MAURICE RICHARD BY A MILE!!!!!!!!!!

Gordie cannot shine the Rocket's skates so don't get me started...the reason why Scott chooses Gordie is simple - he's English ! The longevity of Howe's career is what saves him and allows half-wits like Scott to feel they got it right. But anyone with more than half a brain knows that the Rocket turned the world of hockey on its head while Gordie benefitted from the league's conspiracy in stopping the Rocket - just read your history, (from writers who were there !) By the way, Hull was also twice the player Howe was, that was obvious! I will go as far as to say Ted Lindsay was a better player than Howe, but, although Gordie didn't necessarily play by the rules on the ice, off the ice he was Cambells' darling! Sad that people like Scott unwittingly change the facts.

wilfrid

Richard of course, he could rocket you out of your seat, or the rink, he was explosive the most exciting player on the face of the earth, wish he was still here. Howe could not touch him, although he was a good player.
We miss you Rocket Vivi

What about Norm Ullman? He was no Howe or Richard, but c'mon if Andy Bathgate is on your list ..

Wayne Gretzky said he could never wear number 9 because there was only one number 9: Gordie Howe. In his last year at age 52, Gordie played every game and was the top scorer on the Hartford Whalers. There will never be another Mr. Hockey!

While I would agree that Maurice Richard was a prolific goal scorer Gordie Howe was a better all round player. I have had the pleasure of watching them both play in the old 6 team league. Richard when he was on his game, dominated! Howe got the job done with little fanfare. At the end of the season, Gordie was the better leader.

In addition to previous comment, I never saw Howe or Richard play live. However, Richard's stats in the 2nd season surely add to him being the #1 to wear #9.

The Rocket is the best hockey player ever! Hands down!

Regardless of the order that they are put in, I think almost all of us can agree that the top three include Howe, Hull, and Richard. However, I do have to say that Bucyk is a very close number four. The Chief was a dominant player for a long time. During the height of his ability Boston was in its pre-Orr days so he didn't play with a strong supporting cast. Despie that Bucyk could completely control the tempo and pace of a game and change it with a sin gle shot or hit in the same manner those other three Hall of Famers could.

And it is funny for me to hear Leafs fans talk about Lanny. I lived in Calgary and I think i will always consider him a Flame first.

Although I grew up listening to my dad extoll the virtues of Gordie "Mr. Hockey" Howe, I have to admit that if "the Rocket" had played longer "this" as Jeff Smith points out "would not even be a discussion". As much as I respect the achievements of Howe, I would vote for Richard for #1 #9.

Are you kidding? If Howe had worn #9 for only 15 minutes he would still be the best.

I forgot to mention that Bobby Hull was also the only #9 to have somebody follow him around the ice. As it was once said if Hull goes to washroom you go to the washroom. Both Howe and Richard did not have an assigned checker from each team on a regular basis. Both Howe and Richard wore the number longer as Hull was 16, 7 and then 9. But Hull was the first player that made names for Claude Provost and Eddie Westfall. Also the Rocket was most dangerous on the right wing from the blue line in but Hull was dangerous all over the ice. I saw him skating away from the play and there was his sidekick like Jim Roberts right beside him. The Rocket wore 9 longer but Hull was the greater player. But the bottom line is we saw 3 great players play in the golden days of hockey the way it was meant to be played.

As much an idol Bobby Hull was of mine, Howe and Richard, not necessarily in that order, are icons. Those two were by far the best #9's of all time. Hull btw, also wore #16 and #7 with the Hawks. Mike Modano???????

ROCKET RICHARD OF COURSE! BEST THERE EVER WAS, OR LIKELY EVER WILL BE!

PAUL KARIYA???? No, no. That's for the overpaid and underwhelming list. I'd rather see Clark Gillies and I've despised the Islanders since the team joined the NHL. Kariya????

The Rocket was always one of my favourites, along with Howe.
However, my thoughts of Howe as a man changed when I watched the Lindsay movie "Net Worth"
In my mind Howe as a man has diminished.
Thank You

I believe each of us is greatly influenced by the era we grew up in. I was born in 1941.

GORDIE HOWE!

gotta go w/Lanny, who else could score that often weighed down by that kind of 'stache?

I find these debates pointless. Especially since you are pitting two icons against each other. I think that Gordie Howe and Maurice Richard should be remembered as great players. Let's not diminish their accomplishments by ranking them in a top ten list.

No question. Richard was possibly the greatest player ever. I was born in the praries and have grown up in english Canada all of my life but I must admit the the class of habs history has to top this list.
ps I really love Gordie Howe

How about Adam Graves ?

He was Number 9 with the New York Rangers.

Adam won the Stanley Cup with NYR in 1994 and also played on "The Kid Line" on the last Stanley Cup for the Edmonton Oilers.

Anyone who knows Adam knows what a great athlete and great human being he is.

Gordie Howe was by far the best!!!

Bobby Hull was the greatest left winger in the history of the game. Both Gordie and The Rocket played right wing. Gordie Howe would have to be No.1 because of his longevity. In Quebec The Rocket would be No.1 period. But for me it was the Golden Jet and if he was not blackballed for starting up the WHA I believe his career with the Blackhawks would have made him the greatest. He could go from one of the ice to the another and have the fans rising to their feet as he wound up. Gordie could do it all. The Rocket from the blue line was the best and Hull rushes were electrifying.

I was lucky enough to see Howe, Hull and Richard play. Howe was a different player than Hull and Richard. Howe was quietly dominant in his peak years. He was part of one the greatest lines ever but he never brought you out of your seat with incredible rushes.

Both Hull and Richard at their best were similar in the way that they could seize a game with one great rush or one tremendous shot. Hull truly was intimidating in his day. People speak of McInnis' shot, but Hull was feared by goaltenders. I saw a game where he put a shot on net that had a defenceman and the goalie visibly flinch and freeze on the shot.

Richard had an aura about his play. At the end even when he was a shadow of his former self there was a feeling that he would do something great.

In baseball the stats people sometimes use a "career" score and a "peak" score. On that basis, Howe is the greatest 9 on a career basis. By a narrow margin Richard on a "peak" score.

How can names like Modano, Anderson and Bathgate be included in this discussion? Modano????

Rocket Richard was the greatest of all time!

How could you not have paul kariya on your list? He's been a star in the NHL ever since his rookie season.

Growing up in Newfoundland in the 40s and 50s , our greatest thrill was Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday nights and most cheered for the Leafs or Canadiens. I rooted for the Wings because of one player....the great Gordie Howe. He was always the leader, the enforcer, the one who gave us the thrills, the finesse, the power, the scoring punch,and a darn good reason to tune in next time the Wings were on Hockey Night in Canada.

I love this debate. While I admire the passion the Rocket inspires and the passion with which he played, I vote for Mr Hockey for #9. He did it all, so much better than everyone else, for so long. In 26 NHL seasons he won the Hart (MVP) 6 times, the Art Ross (scoring champ) 6 times and was 21 times on the all-star team. Oddly, the Rocket - known for his scoring prowess - never won the scoring title, and he only won the MVP once, in 18 years. Yes he was on the all-star team 14 times during those 18 years, but only once the MVP of the league. Hm.

I am so glad to see the great "Teeder Kennedy" receive the recognition he so richly deserves. One of the youngest captains to ever don the Maple Leaf jersey, I am told from those who watched him that he combined his talent,toughness and leadership ability to guide the 'Leafs during the wartime years. As a testament to his selflessness he graciously returned to "C" to the great Syl Apps upon Apps' return from active service in WWII.

This discussion SHOULD be about who was the greatest #9, not who was the bigger cultural icon. Not really sure how that adds to the debate. Sure Richard received a state (Quebec) funeral and all business stopped during his funeral, but is that what makes him the better player?

To anyone who lived west of Toronto, including tens of thousands of immigrants, Gordie Howe was the pre-eminent player in the league. Richard was a Quebec icon, not a Canadian one. No one can deny what Richard meant to the average Quebecois, but rest assured his mystique and aura seriously waned west of Quebec provincial boundary.

If Gordie Howe had the luxury of playing his entire career in the city of his birth then we might all be a little less comfortable in our 'expert' opinions as to who was the better player. Being a cultural icon and a hero to the people of Floral, Saskatchewan does not have the same power and influence as being a son of Montreal. Which is why this debate should be about the game on the ice and not what happened on the streets. Sure Howe never inspired riots or helped sow the seeds of separatism. But I ask, is this a bad thing?

The numbers don't lie. Plus the greatest ever player had Gordie as is idol. I think he knew a little nit about the game, no?

Gordie Howe

I've been a Howe fan for 58 years, but the one player who stands out is Hull. In the age before steroids, players like him and Horton stood alone with their ability to dominate with sheer strength and in in Hull's case- speed.

Stop it! Stop It! Why are we always asked the sily question as to which hockey player is/was the best, regardless of which number they wore? The Great One or Super Mario? Howe, Hull or Richard? Orr perhaps? My thoughts on the whole question is this: on a given night Mario was better that The Great One could ever be. On another night the Great One was better that Super Mario. It's the same for all the rest. Hull was dynamic on nights when Richard struggled; Howe could do it all on a given night, but really wasn't a dominant player during his last ten or twelve seasons. When Richard forced his way down the wing, nobody was as good as he was. When Bobby Orr swooped the puck behind his own net and glided end to end, nobody looked as eloquent. So there! They all had different talents, different styles, different desires and certainly different supporting casts. And they were all great!!
Often, too often, the views expressed by hockey fans are influenced by the the fact that they favor certain teams and show bias in their responses. Why are we (hockey fans) asked to make a choice? Let it go. They are ALL great!!

What Keith said! Maurice got everybody's blood flowing and heart racing by just being on the ice.

Maurice Richard...by a stride. In addition to his own accomplishments, he made significant contributions to Montreals Stanley Cup winning teams

Joe

I agree with Howe, Richard, and Bobby Hull as numbers 1,2,3 in that order. But number 4 has to be Johnny Bucyk!

Come on, look at his record!

Mr. Hockey is the greatest to wear No. 9.

How about a debate on the greatest No. 19?

It is funny how these things come about . Being a French canadian I must vote with my heart, Mr Richard always. But I must also say that the only #4 is Le Gros Bill: Jean Beliveau without wanting to insult the great Bobby Orr since I play Defence myself. But I have noticed that in a recent book published in english Canada it is the other way around. Un peu bizard.

The Rocket. No one motivated more people or was more passionate then Maurice towards the game and his people. He was more than just hockey. I can't help but think Maurice is #1, nothing else comes close. He was a good man.

> No one ever rioted over Gordie Howe.

That's because he and didn't hit referees over the head with his stick which someone Habs fans think is acceptable and not deserving of a suspension.

Ridiculous - Mr. Hockey all the way.

Bobby Hull. Perhaps the first power forward, best shot of his generation and scared the bejesus out of opposing goaltenders. Gordie is a great #9, but more due to his longevity and toughness. Maurice rates low on my list, mainly because most of his records come during WWII (or just after) when half the league was fighting Nazis in europe instead of playing a boys' game. By 1950 Maurice was just another good forward. As a leaf fan, I'll admit that MacDonald doesn't belong on this list (though Kennedy does).

No doubt about it...Rocket Richard.... He was a natural goal scorer with a mesmerizing glare in his eyes that told you he meant business...!
How many others could incite a riot...?
Richard...Number Nine in the program...
But Number One on the list...!

The Rocket..... I am not terribly sentimental... but I cried when I watched his funeral ...

I am way to young to have seen any of them play. But from what i know, they are both legendary players who have a special place in hockey history. But i think Bernard "Boom Boom" Geoffrion said it best: " Gordie Howe brought people to the rinks... Rocket brought them to their feet!"

I'm not quite old enough to remember the Rocket, but I have seen Gordie play in person and on TV. Based on that I would have to give the edge to Gordie for his longevity and his very productive numbers over his long career. But from what I've been told by people who have seen the Rocket; there was no one better from the blue line in with those eyes of his glaring down the oppostion and his tremednous desire to get to the net.

So Goride #1 on the list, followed closely by the Rocket.

The best player ever to wear #9's was the Great One. End of debate!!

Rocket Richard gets my vote long before I would even consider Gordie Howe. But then, I have cheered the Habs for over 50 years, and may be a little biased.

Richard is an icon because people with political agendas have made him one. But realistically, a person drafting players for a team they wanted to win the cup would do better to pick Howe.

Sorry, Maple, Americans do come to this site, but Modano doesn't get my vote.
While Howe's influence is long-standing and far reaching, I think The Rocket helped to define the game that we love. I vote Richard, if I do indeed get a vote.

Both players from diverse backgrounds moulded hockey to what it is today. Play with passion and honour for your team. At no time did you see either one of these gentlemen attempt to injure someone on purpose. Howe with his hardwork ethic, typical of a western Canadian style of game and Richard with his flare in which many French Canadians are known for. I am a HUGE Habs fan and love to watch original six games because the others are like neices and nephews(wanted or unwanted, you decide). Both are tops in my book, I don't place one over the other. This is the standard in which we select our players from, starting at Atom through to the NHL.

There is no doubt in my mind that "MR. Hockey" is one of the greatest to ever lace on a pair of skates. Howe could it be any one else!

I'm sure some people on the West Coast would agree with me that Pavel Bure maybe should be on the top 10!

Just to continue, I would switch Bucyk by moving him up ahead of Modano, and I'd move Macdonald to 10th

i think Gordie Howe was the best number 9

Lanny Mcdonald wore #7 his entire Leafs Carreer, he's ranked way to high on the list. I'd also like to say that Johnny Bucyk is hugely underrated considering how good he really was. I'd switch those 2 in the rankings

C'est Maurice Richard without a doubt! His name is synonymous with number nine as Wayne Gretzy's name is synonymous with number ninety-nine. Hockey, Canada, Richard and Gretzy - greatest Canadian hockey players. Hats off to the other 9 great players especially Gordie Howe. Cheers eh!

There isn't a 9 that compares to 99 !!!

No debate here. Howe was the premier player among # 9's, indeed of all players who have played the game Gordie was arguably the best.

Howe was indeed a great hockey player and merits to be among the game's pantheon. However, the Rocket was better because he played with more passion and guts. His intensity ignited the hearts and minds of millions. Rocket Richard remains a cultural icon and is still a 'national' symbol to many in Quebec. Proof: two recent Canadian hockey movies depicting that 1950s era- one about the Rocket's trials and tribulations and the other about Ted Lindsay's heroic attempt to improve the players' lot. Interestingly, Howe (Lindsay's linemate) character comes off as a selfish player. Rocket's number nine is the unequivocal standard.

"I don't want to see Maurice tonight, I wanna see the Rocket"... it's highly unlikely that there will ever be a movie about Gordie Howe!

Da Rocket! great movie, great player, moved all French Canadians to the front of the bus. Unfortunately for this debate Gordie Howe is also tremendously worthy. Nickname that will last forever, the hat trick thing is cool but the Montreal nation needs their number 9`s memory more than the Detroit nation needs their's. When Gordie passes to the great pond in the sky will Detroit stop time and make a pilgrimage to the casket route, young and old alike? Et voila, you have your answer.

Richard

What flies the highest? of coarse a rocket,with a number 9 on it.

"The Rocket" without a question. 2nd Gordie Howe

Leaving politics out of this, both Richard and Howe should have shared the honour. They both brought so much to the ice. No player today combines the power, determination, grit and offensive skill of Howe and the Rocket.
I am sure when the day comes, Mr. Howe will be honoured with the same love and respect Mr. Richard was when he passed away. His funeral stopped the City of Montreal as fans and the children of fans paused to pay respect to a man who meant so much to his sport, his city, his province and his country.

MY VOTE WOULD GO FOR RICHARD OVER HOWE. I HAVE BEEN A HABS FAN ALL MY LIFE. DONT SEE ANY REASON TO CHANGE NOW.

#1- Howe
#2- Richard
#3- Hull

And just to let Maple know- yes we DO visit the CBC site here in the US- at least in the Detroit area...

Maurice hands down. His mere presence and greatness shaped the hockey world, and helped shap an entire culture.

There is no denying Howe's gifts to the game, but THE player for this number has to be Maurice Richard, who cemented his team's legendary status while overcoming the adversity of being one of the few francophones in the game at the time.

Who is the best Number 9 ever?

This is truly a no-brainer. While Gordie Howe owned the record books for a long time until Number 99 came along and was a great all-around player, for sheer presence, force of will, the ability to dominate and shape the game and for pure, unabashed passion, the nod goes to Maurice Richard hands down.

Howe broke records and had longevity but Richard moved a people and transformed a society on a fundamental level. It is still nearly impossible to gague how deep Richard's impact was on Quebec society and how he - in the grand scheme of things and being simply a hockey player - elevated a people and himself over countless barriers.

The fundamental difference between the two players can be summed up this way: Howe could score goals and hit like no-one's business, Richard could move mountains.

How much more proof do you really need?...

Without question in my opinion the greatest #9 was Gordie Howe. He was tough, skilled as a player and a gentleman off the ice. I had the privilege of meeting him a couple of times. He also has a good sense of humor.

Gordie had big elbows and very imposing physical characteristics (longevity) however no one in THE game imposed his will as much when it really counted. Maurice Rocket Richard
Thank you

I have worn the number 9 on the ice since I was 4 years old for two reasons:
1. the Rocket
2. Lanny McDonald

There's no question that Maurice Richard was the greatest ever, but we all have to admit that that was one great mustache.

not even close the rocket the go to player

Both are among the greatest ever but I give Howe the edge because of his consistency, longevity and his toughness.

maurice just scored goals, gordie was more of a team player, played longer, and was on top more consistently. no doubt about it, the list got it right.

Gordie Howe without a doubt

He has done so much for the game on, as well as off the ice. He signified what Canadian hockey is and should be all about.

Bobby Hull. He was tough as nails and as Mr. O'Connor said they started a rival league around him. If he had stayed in the NHL and hadn't been blacklisted from international competition his stock would be much higher.

I never saw either of them play....but after the stories that my Grandfather and Father told me about The Rocket and after all the books I read...when I saw him in Toronto at a Legends of Hockey Game I was shocked he didn't wear a cape!!!! The Rocket hands down!!

Greatest player ever had two nines on his back.

The rocket was the greatest player of all time ... He deserve to be the #1 no.9 on this list and that's for sure!! Not only because of the hockey aspect but also for his figth for freedom of speech even if he was french ... He went thru a big figth against langage racism.

Too bad this has to become a hashing ground for English-French politics for some folks. While Howe had the advantage of the record books - some of this has to do with his 26-year career - he certainly didn't have the resonance and cultural impact of Richard.

Richard's place in society is so central to Quebecker's identity it transcends his great record on paper. Maybe if Howe had played in Toronto he would have had a similar resonance, but I doubt it. All this to say it doesn't necessarily mean Richard was a better player. Leave that to those who remember seeing both of them play. By the way, to those who see an 'English' conspiracy here (wow!), it's not surprising that anglophones would probably pick Howe - after all, they're much more likely to have seen Howe as he played for many years after Richard retired. Personally, I'd call it a tie.

Gordie or Rocket..I would say during the regular season Gordie was the best, however once the second season started the Rocket seemed to be able to take his performanceto another level.

Maurice Richard by far the best #9 ever.
Was a classy man on and off the ice and made many cheer everytime the Habs won a cup. What a legend!!!!!!!

This isn't even a debate. Howe is consistently ranked either #2 or #3 all time NHL stars, while Richard doesn't make the top 5. Orr and Beliveau are usually higher in the pecking order. And as for Jacques the Quebecker, he really needs to get his historical facts straight. French-Canadian soldiers in the Second World War? Outside of the Royal 22 Regiment, I wasn't aware there were any.

This list should have been
1. Howe
2. Hull
3. Richard

Hull shot 100mph+ and was the fastest skater recorded at 29.7mph. Plus he was frequently shadowed with centre, winger and 1 d-man. Not bad for a womanizer who loved the bottle.

The Rocket is the best #9 of all time. Howe was an awesome player but nobody showed more passion and enthusiasm that Maurice. Just look at all the barriers Richard overcame during his playing years, Howe didn't face half the challenges that Richard faced being from la belle province. The Rocket lives on.

My pick is the Rocket, altough I have never see him play but know all about him. I am Freanch Canadian and from Montreal aera and I think we all know what the Rocket did on the ice and off the ice.

Don't get me wrong Mr Howe deserve to be call Mr Hockey for what is has done for the game, but my choice is the Rocket.

No contest..Gordie Howe...He could do it all and did so for a very, very, very long time

Rocket 9 - Canadian
Wayne 99 - Canadian eh!

You are who you skate for!

Definitely Maurice Richard! He was the better player on the ice, and overcame the most off it. How can you not be inspired by that??

With all due respect to all of the other 9'ers out there, including 99, none had the passion or carried on his shoulders, the weight of a people. As a player, his game was often hampered by referees who's vision of infractions seemd impared.

Maurice the Rocket, not Gordie the Elbow, was introduced to the Queen, as Monsieur Hockey. Get the facts straight.

Richard Begin

What about Dick Duff? He was #9.

Gordie Howe was the greatest player to wear #9. He had it all. Richard was a great goal scorer, but not as tough and fulfilling player as Howe.
Ted Kennedy was a favourite of mine because he was a Leaf.
Regards,
Gary

The two different beauties defining the play of Howe and Richard make for a difficult choice. I've only seen film of both yet still would have wanted to see 'em in person.

In the end, I believe Howe is just a nudge above Richard, if that. They should both be on a Mt. Hockey with #4 and #99.

No doubt in my mind that both Gordie Howe and Richard are equal and deserve to be t he best I thgink they both are tied for the # 9 greatest player why glen anderson is on your list baffled me

Lists like this are good for generating discussion, but it's obvious every fan will have a different opinion. Both (if not all)were true greats.

My choice would be The Rocket, but I grew up in Montreal, so that's natural. Both Howe and Richard mean different things to different people, but they definitely rank among the greatest ever...

No one ever rioted over Gordie Howe.

Maurice Richard retired 6 years before my time while Gordie Howe was past his prime when my ears rang with the chants of "GUY! GUY! GUY!" Yet their legends persist.
Even now, people like myself who have no first-hand authority whatsoever continue to embroil themselves in this debate. It is what we do as Canadians, the self-proclaimed keepers of all things hockey.
So here's my expert opinion.
While Howe had the ability to get the crowd out of their seats, Richard could stir your soul.
It became very apparent to me on Boxing Day, 1998, as a very frail looking old man, 40 years removed from his playing days shuffled out to center ice during the pre-game ceremony for Montreal's last visit to Toronto's venerable Maple Leaf Gardens. All at once the Leaf Nation rose to their feet with a deafening roar, shaking the rafters of that classic arena. It was a gesture bestowed upon an enemy who had the ability to destroy all of their hopes and dreams, yet it was because of this ability that he was forever deserving of their ultimate respect.
Once more, and perhaps for the very last time, Maurice Richard was again,
"The Rocket"!

The Rocket... by a mile!

I'm surprized that we didn't mention the greatest player of all. You know the one who was so good he had to wear 2 #9 on his jersey.

Well, I grew up a hundred miles from Toronto, but for the sake of arguing with my beloved grandfather I was a true HABS fan. So although Gordie was amazing for the 30+ years of his professional career, only the Rocket could shoot so high as to be at the top of the list.

Gordie was very good for a very long time but Richard was exceptional. His fiery determination and exciting play makes him the best #9 ever!

Maurice Richard. Without a doubt. Howe was superb, but Richard was extraordinary.

A tough question. Two different styles. Two different approaches. The Rocket: flash passion and gifted. Howe: tough, immensely skilled and disciplined.

Not sure who is the greatest... but I do know that some of my fondest memories were watching them play on TV on Saturday night with my late father.

That is what made hockey to me the greatest.

The one and only Maurice "Rocket" Richard, no one else comes close. Vive le Tricolore.

There is no way to take anything away from the magnificent intensity all these men brought to the game and to our psyches.

So with this in mind I want to remind all of us that Mr. Connacher was the greatest of his generation. Because his time preceded TV it seems and I would argue completely unfairly to be less real and less representative.

But we can overcome our historical parochialism and recall that he was number one of his generation.

Perhaps that is the best way to see the great nines. Each in his own time and in some sense in a league of his own.

As a young boy I was privileged to have a front-row seat away up in the greys at MLG. (If my memory serves me correctly the cost of a ticket was $1.25) Those were the Glory Years when the Leafs won the Stanley Cup three consecutive years: 1947 (4-2 against Montreal, 1948 and 1949 (both 4-0 against Detroit). During that period I saw every game and wouldn't trade those memories for anything. In those play-off games the highlight was Bill Barilko's winning goal. Gordie Howe was the best of the lot but Maurice Richard was the most exciting.

For young girls in the 60's, it was undoubtedly Dick Duff. Nice to see he was recognized by his peers last year with entry into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Gordie of course. I'm glad to see Glen Anderson whom is well deserved of the honor.

Longevity is nice but it should not be a factor in a discussion like this. Richard was dominating in his time, becoming the first player ever to score 50 goals in a season. They don’t call it the Rocket Richard trophy for nothing. I have come to believe, however that the NHL should retire the number 9 entirely, honoring both Richard and Howe for their accomplishments and contributions to the game. They both influenced the way the game is played.

Maurice Richard. Hands down! First to get 50 goals in 50 games. 8 Stanley Cups. Quebec's hero! The Richard Riot; An NHL trophy given out in his name.

Such passion; such energy!

Even though I am a native Montrealer, and a huge Habs fan, the nod has to go to Gordie Howe, Mr. Hockey. He owned the record books before Gretzky came along. He was a complete player, and his longevity is unsurpassed. No one can touch Richard's fire & passion, or his scoring touch, but Howe was still the better player.

How am I not surprised here that the Quebec born player, with the team who won the most cups finished second to Gordie. I take nothing away from Gordie at all, I just think it's typical that Richard gets second rank, like French Canadian soldiers in WW2, like, French Canadians of Richard's day, second class. Anyway, I can't disagree with Gordie in the top 2, I think you should have gave them a tie for first.

I agree that Gordie Howe was the greatest number 9 and also the greatest player ever ! Richard played during the war and had his record year in '44-45 when many good players were overseas. Richard wasn't the physical specimen that Howe was and that's why he didn't achieve the same results because he couldn't play as long as the Greatest of Them All !

Being a hockey player that had to endure the silence of canadian anglophones and american fans,to know exactly they hated him. to achieve so much success and overcome these anti-french remarks and actions ! Richard would be the best. [talent,endurance,leader, and far most SELF MADE HOCKEY ACHIEVER]. PHIL M MARTIN

Of all the great hockey players who wore #9 only one was the basis for starting an entire league: Bobby Hull. The WHA was launched when he accepted one million dollars for the 1972 start-up season for a new professional hockey league.
The star quality and hockey abilities of Bobby Hull have been overshadowed by his personal difficulties.
I would never rank Hull above Howe or Richard. After short stints of wearing #16 and #7 Hull himself chose #9 because Howe had that number.
The move of Hull to a new league and the subsequent changes that came to North American hockey show the amazing impact this man had on the sport. With the WHA came an increase in opportunities for European players. Underage players (like Gretzky at 17)were welcome in this professional league. More Canadian cities were able to get professional hockey franchises.
Lots of hockey players have carried a team on their shoulders. Hull is the only one who ever carried an entire league.

I agree that Gordie Howe was the greatest number 9 and the greatest player ever !
The number 10 fellow, Glen Anderson is a stretch ! And I would move Johnny Bucyk up to number 5.

here...here, Jeff Smith well said and so verily true....Les Canadiens sont la...and the Rocket....was number one in our family for many a Saturday night and continues in my heart to be so....merci....Conny

No brainer......Big Gord..hand s down.....he did it all lasted the longest and could take on anything and anybody and did'nt have the canadain press and for sure the Que press taking about him..Mt hockey will also be number 1( and the best number 9)why has'nt there been a trophy named after him...guess the NHL is waiting for the Big guy to die then they'll do something about it....how about it Gord Miller start the movenment to name a trophy after the greatest player ever..Mr Gord

The Rocket. Both what he did both on and off the ice.

Rocket didn't play as long as Howe but was greater influence when he played. Sort of like Bobby Orr, shorter career but WHAT a career!
Rocket gets number best #9, Howe second, no one else is even close.

Howe deserves title of Mr. Hockey, but Rocket Richard is Number 9 of all time.

I've read several times before from hockey announcers and vintage players that if Richard and Howe were playing at the same time across the street from each other, the Richard rink would sell out long before the Howe rink. I believe it because I'd be going to the Richard rink myself.
If Richard had played as long as Howe did, this would not even be a discussion.

Richard...for sure. His intensity to win cannot be matched by anyone else. Howe is great, but the better Number 9 is RICHARD!

I feel, That for number overall Its a tie with Howe & Richard. Gordie Howe is The Greatest Power Forward ever to play the game. And A Very Gracious Humble man. Rocket Richard , Was natural talent and his leadership qualties are only equalled by Wayne Gretzky & Mark Messier & Bobby Clarke.

Norm Ullman...Number 9 for the Leafs after he was traded from Detroit. He was my first hockey hero.

The Rocket was and still is the best of the best

my choice is charlie conacher. in his day

players required more talent. in later years

coaching and team work changed dramatically

Gordie Howe is the greatest complete hockey player ever. He could do it all.

richard for sure all guts and desire the best there ever was or will be.

lucky americans don't come onto this site or else modano would win hands down
watched a stars game on fsn the other dayand they were so pro modano they called morrow modana....

but otherwise Gordie Howe for sure...

Maurice is the best ever. His desire to win was phenomenal.