Yvan Cournoyer, nicknamed 'The Roadrunner,' was a Hall of Fame Canadian right winger who won ten Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens.
Ten Stanley Cup championships with the Montreal Canadiens between 1965 and 1979 established Yvan Cournoyer as one of the most decorated players in hockey history, his blazing speed — which earned him the nickname 'The Roadrunner' — making him one of the most dangerous attackers of his era despite standing just 5 feet 7 inches tall. Cournoyer, nicknamed "The Roadrunner" for his blazing speed, which he credited to skating on longer blades, was used almost exclusively as a power-play specialist early in his career before earning a regular shift and delivering a breakout 43-goal season. Cournoyer delivered the biggest goal of his international career in 1972, scoring the tying goal in the deciding eighth game of the Summit Series against the Soviet Union with seven minutes remaining, setting up Paul Henderson's iconic series-winning goal moments later. Cournoyer won an extraordinary ten Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens between 1965 and 1979, serving as team captain for his final four seasons, and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1982, with his jersey number retired by the Canadiens in 2005.
Hall of Fame speedy right winger, 'The Roadrunner,' ten-time Stanley Cup champion with Montreal Canadiens
How They Played
Cournoyer was renowned for his blazing speed and explosive acceleration, earning him the nickname 'The Roadrunner.' He possessed a quick, accurate shot and excelled at finding open ice to create scoring opportunities. His small stature was more than compensated by his agility and ability to navigate through traffic in front of the net.
Lasting Impact
Cournoyer's ten Stanley Cup victories remain unmatched by modern players and established him as one of hockey's greatest winners. His speed and offensive prowess helped define the fast-paced, skilled style of play that became synonymous with the Montreal Canadiens dynasty.
Career Honours
- 10x Stanley Cup
- Conn Smythe Trophy 1973
- Hockey Hall of Fame 1982
| Team | Period | GP | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montreal Canadiens | 1963–1979 | 968 | 428 |