Béliveau, Jean Arthur

Béliveau, Jean Arthur, 1931–2014, Canadian ice hockey player, b. Trois-Rivières, Québec. He joined the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League in 1953, playing for 18 seasons and becoming team captain (1961–71); he then was an executive with the team (1971–93). He won 10 Stanley Cup championships with the franchise, played in 13 All-Star games, was the league MVP twice (1956, 1964), and received the first Conn Smythe Trophy for MVP in the playoffs. A consummate team player and a natural leader, known for his sportsmanship, elegance, and skill, he is considered one of the greatest centers ever. Béliveau wrote My Life in Hockey (1994).

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