Hockey has been around the world of sports since the late 1800s. The game has produced some of the most gifted athletes in the world, many of whom have become household names. 

There are hundreds of famous hockey players who have made a significant impact on the sport. Still, only a handful can be considered the most notable. 

Who are some of the most famous hockey players of all time?

Maurice Richard

Joseph Henri Maurice "Rocket" Richard was a Canadian professional ice hockey player who played 18 seasons in the National Hockey League for the Montreal Canadiens. 

Richard was born on Aug. 4, 1921, in Montreal, Quebec, and began his NHL career with the Canadiens in 1942. 

He was the first player in NHL history to score 500 goals and light the lamp 50 times in one season. 

He won eight Stanley Cups with the Canadiens and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1961.

Gordie Howe

Born on March 31, 1928, in Floral, Saskatchewan, Canada, Gordie Howe widely is regarded as one of the greatest hockey players of all time. 

Nicknamed "Mr. Hockey," Howe played for the Detroit Red Wings for 26 seasons, winning four Stanley Cups and setting numerous NHL records. 

He inspired the "Gordie Howe hat trick" and played until he was 52. Howe was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972.

Jacques Plante

Joseph Jacques Omer Plante, "Jake The Snake," was a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender who played for the Montreal Canadiens, St. Louis Blues, Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins.

He was the first goaltender in NHL history to wear a mask during a game. 

Plante was named the league's most valuable player in 1962. He won the Stanley Cup five consecutive times and the Vezina Trophy seven times.

Terry Sawchuk

It's impossible to miss Terrence "Terry" Gordon Sawchuk on any list of famous hockey players. 

Born Dec. 28, 1929, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Sawchuk was one of the most successful goalies in the sport's history. He played 21 seasons on several NHL teams, registering 447 career wins.

Wayne Gretzky

Another name synonymous with hockey is Wayne Gretzky. 

Born on Jan. 26, 1961, in Brantford, Ontario, Wayne Douglas Gretzky is known as the "Great One." 

He widely is considered the greatest hockey player of all time. He played for 20 seasons in the NHL, setting numerous records and winning four Stanley Cups. 

Gretzky was named MVP a record nine times and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2000.

The Bottom Line

These five greats have made a lasting impact on the world of hockey. 

Each has a unique story and legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of players. 

The world also praises Jean Béliveau, Bobby Orr, Steve Yzerman, Mario Lemieux, Alex Ovechkin and many other iconic hockey players. 

They have earned their place in hockey history, and in the next generations, we will see new names join this list of all-time greats.