Yvan Cournoyer

Yvan Cournoyer, nicknamed 'The Roadrunner,' was a Hall of Fame Canadian right winger who won ten Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens.

Yvan Serge Cournoyer was born on 22 November 1943 in Drummondville, Quebec, Canada, and began his junior career with the Montreal Junior Canadiens in 1961, developing into one of the most electrifying skaters of his generation 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.

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.

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.

• 10x Stanley Cup
• Conn Smythe Trophy 1973
• Hockey Hall of Fame 1982