Ice hockey’s spectacle is further amplified when one or more players score three goals within one game – known as a “hat trick”. Not only does this excite fans and cause them to throw their caps onto the ice in celebration, it also cements that player’s legacy within their sport; Wayne Gretzky leads this elite club of legendary goal scorers with an unparalleled record.
Wayne Gretzky: An Iconic Figure
Wayne Gretzky – commonly referred to as ‘The Great One” – stands as an NHL record holder with 50 hat tricks over his two decade career, more than double any rival player’s number and attesting to Gretzky’s incredible skills and consistency. His closest rival falls far short by comparison.
The Elite Circle of Hat Trick Heroes
The annals of NHL history are filled with players who have mastered the art of the hat trick. Among them are:
Mario Lemieux established an incredible total of 40 hat tricks; followed by Mike Bossy with 39; Brett Hull achieved 33; and Phil Esposito who notched 32! Alex Ovechkin achieved 30 Hat Tricks while Marcel Dionne recorded 28 Hat Tricks
This list recognizes the accomplishments of Bobby Hull (28 hat tricks), Maurice Richard (26), Cy Denneny (25), Jari Kurri (23) Teemu Selanne (22) Glenn Anderson (21) Rick Martin (21) Darryl Sittler (20), and Pavel Bure (20). Each have made indelible marks on hockey through their unique feats of three goals or better in three consecutive years.