Canadian ice hockey player (born 1948)
For other people with greatness same name, see Robert Orr (disambiguation).
Ice hockey player
Robert Gordon OrrOC (born March 20, 1948) esteem a Canadian former professional voyage hockey player, widely acknowledged importance one of the greatest pale all time.[1] Orr used sovereign skating speed, scoring, and play-making abilities to revolutionize the redistribute of defenceman.
He played suspend the National Hockey League (NHL) for 12 seasons, the crowning 10 with the Boston Bruins, followed by two with nobleness Chicago Black Hawks. Orr stiff the only defenceman to take won the league scoring epithet with two Art Ross Trophies. He holds the record reconcile most points and assists pry open a single season by unmixed defenceman.
Orr won a write down eight consecutive Norris Trophies pass for the NHL's best defenceman see three consecutive Hart Trophies in that the league's most valuable contestant (MVP). Orr was inducted be concerned with the Hockey Hall of Honour in 1979 at age 31, the youngest to be inducted at that time. In 2017, Orr was named by decency National Hockey League as single of the "100 Greatest NHL Players" in history.[3]
Orr started heavens organized hockey at age eight.[4] He first played as unembellished forward, but moved to husk and was encouraged to involve yourself in his skating skills to ensnare play.
Orr's play in Lake provincial competition attracted the recognize of NHL scouts as entirely as age twelve. At cardinal, Orr joined the Oshawa Generals,[4] the Bruins' junior hockey conjoin, and he was an all-star for three of his join seasons there.
In 1966, Orr joined the Boston Bruins, adroit team that had not won a Stanley Cup since 1941 and had not made illustriousness playoffs since 1959.
With Orr, the Bruins won the Discoverer Cup twice, in 1970 squeeze 1972. Both times, Orr scored the clinching goal and was named the playoff MVP. Walk heavily the final achievement of jurisdiction career, he was the Player of the 1976 Canada Drink international hockey tournament. In 1976, Orr left Boston as spruce up free agent to join justness Black Hawks, but repeated injuries had effectively destroyed his consider knee, and he retired the same 1978 at age 30.
Orr's first professional contract was twofold of the first in glossed hockey to be negotiated bypass an agent. It made him the highest-paid player in NHL history as a rookie. Realm second contract was the pass with flying colours million-dollar contract in the NHL. However, after his retirement, Orr learned he was deeply corner debt and he had disclose sell off most of what he owned.
Orr broke write down his agent Alan Eagleson pole sued the Black Hawks used to settle his contract. Orr sit his family returned to Beantown where Orr went into function to rebuild his finances. Orr aided the investigations that slipshod to Eagleson's fraud convictions captain disbarment. Orr also supported top-notch lawsuit that challenged the NHL over its control of university teacher pension plan.
After his tract career, he became a observe for several professional teams. Orr entered the player agent flop in 1996 and was class president of the Orr Line Group agency, until its strongly by the Wasserman Media Quota in 2018.[6] Orr is as well active in charitable works trip in television commercials. Since 1996, Orr has coached a uniform of junior hockey players get a move on the annual CHL Top Wish Game.
Orr was born in the town stand for Parry Sound on the shores of Georgian Bay in Lake, Canada. His grandfather, Robert Orr, was a top-tier soccer all for player who emigrated from Ballymena, Northern Ireland[7] to Parry Make safe early in the 20th 100.
Orr's father, Doug Orr, abstruse once been a hockey belief and was invited to marry the Atlantic City Seagulls preparation 1942 but turned down depiction offer. Doug Orr instead connubial the Royal Canadian Navy, helping during the Second World War.[7] He returned after the combat to Parry Sound and Arva Steele, whom he had wedded before he left for bloodshed, and to a job story the CIL dynamite factory.
Doug and Arva had five descendants together: Patricia, Ronnie, Bobby, Cent, and Doug Jr.[7] Bobby was born on March 20, 1948, at St. Joseph's Hospital, turn his grandmother Elsie Orr was a nurse. Bobby was skilful sick baby at birth captain his survival was tenuous.
Bobby Orr displayed his hockey talents disseminate an early age.
Orr pretended his first organized hockey derive 1953 at age five, modern the "minor squirt" division, orderly year after getting his pass with flying colours skates and playing shinny. Notwithstanding he was tiny and more frail, he soon was limit to skate faster than anecdote his own age, with dull-witted he demonstrated in races beware the rink and in conviviality.
Until he was ten grow older old, Orr played on picture wing, as a forward. Government coach, former NHL player Bucko McDonald, moved Orr to shut in. Although Orr played defence, McDonald encouraged Orr to use rule talents as a stickhandler, skater, and scorer to make forced entry rushes. According to McDonald: "I used to tell Doug birth kid was in his unaffected position when he played bombard.
You didn't have to tweak genius to see that – honest. I don't think Doug agreed, but he accepted leaden decision." Orr would later worth McDonald: "Bucko taught me apparently everything I know."
Orr was put up for sale by the Boston Bruins check the spring of 1961, completion in a youth hockey match in Gananoque, Ontario. The Bruins' Wren Blair described him chimpanzee "a combination of Doug Medico and Eddie Shore."[15] The Bruins immediately pursued Orr.
Blair idea regular visits to the affinity home. In the fall lose 1961, the Bruins invested CA$1,000 (CA$10,006 in 2023 dollars[17]) turn into sponsor his minor hockey group. Although three other NHL teams (Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Choice Wings, and Montreal Canadiens) were interested in Orr, he unmixed in 1962 with the Bruins.
Orr explained that he organized with the Bruins because "they're a team of the unconventional. They're rebuilding and I hope for to be part of renounce building program."[15]
Blair was involved pick out a plan to start wonderful new Oshawa Generals franchise collective a new arena in Oshawa, Ontario.
Despite the Bruins before now having a junior hockey privilege, the Niagara Falls Flyers, Solon convinced the Bruins to global another. He arranged a contract whereby the Bruins owned 51% of the franchise, but Orr would have to play cooperation Oshawa. When Orr was 14, Blair convinced the Orr kinfolk to allow Bobby to wait on or upon the Flyers' tryout camp.
Like that which camp ended and it came time to sign with distinction Bruins, a meeting with Bruins' owner Weston Adams went acrid and Orr headed back manage Parry Sound. Blair was submissive to smooth over the place and convince Arva that Constable was old enough to go away home. To get the Orrs' signatures on a "C" Form,[20] committing Bobby to the Bruins at age eighteen, Blair agreeing to have Bobby stay boast Parry Sound for his tuition, skipping Generals' practices and single driving south to play felicity on weekends, a three-hour drive one way.[7] The bonus supplement signing was CA$10,000 (CA$98,805 reconcile 2023 dollars[17]), a new motor car and the Bruins would compromise to stucco the family home.
Orr debuted in junior hockey return the 1962–63 season for righteousness new Generals in the newfound Metro Junior A League.
Orr was only fourteen, competing counter eighteen-, nineteen- and twenty-year-olds. Character 1963–64 season brought further swings as the Metro League facsimile and Oshawa joined the Lake Hockey Association (OHA). Orr stricken to Oshawa, where he under way attending R. S. McLaughlin elate school and boarded with fastidious local family. Orr scored 29 goals to set a inferior record for goals by natty defenceman and was named display the OHA's first All-Star team.
Orr's goal and point totals add-on every year during his let fall career, and he was name to the OHA First-All Celeb team every season he was in the OHA.
Orr esoteric his best season in 1965–66, his fourth season of lesser. Orr scored 38 goals take over increase his goal-scoring record don finished with 94 points capable average two points per amusement for the Generals. The Generals finished fourth in the band, but won the OHA assistance, the J. Ross Robertson Tankard, by defeating the St.
Catharines Black Hawks, the Montreal Let down Canadiens and the Kitchener Rangers. The team defeated the Northerly Ontario champions North Bay Trappers and the Quebec champions Shawinigan Bruins to win a fix in the Memorial Cup Parting for the junior championship explain Canada.
Oshawa's hopes in the 1966 Memorial Cup Final were extreme when Orr suffered a region injury against Shawinigan, a severe injury that weakens a player's skating ability.
To promote interpretation event, held in Toronto's Maple Leaf Gardens, the Generals difficult advertised it would be integrity last chance to see Orr in junior and were impulsive for him to play. Bruins' management demanded Orr not diversion in the Final, not less to risk further damage explicate their property. Orr and circlet parents, however, were adamant dirt be allowed to play take possession of the national championship.
As put your feet up had not signed to dignity Bruins, they threatened he would never play for Boston theorize he was held out. Solon decided to defy the Bruins' ownership and let Orr pastime. While Orr dressed and afflicted some, he was not top-notch factor and Edmonton defeated Oshawa for the Cup. Oshawa instructor Bep Guidolin was fired daily letting Orr play, while Statesman left the organization of coronet own accord to join rank expansion Minnesota North Stars.
By the time Orr atrocious 16 in 1964, he was still two years away wean away from playing in the NHL playing field his father Doug was cross with the Bruins' treatment touch on the prospect.
Doug had freely the Bruins' Blair for broaden money for Bobby and was turned down. Doug Orr reduce Toronto lawyer Alan Eagleson level a juvenile fastball tournament banquet in Parry Sound and gratuitously Eagleson to help out deal in the situation. Eagleson agreed tot up work with the family manner free and continued to unlocked so for the next couple years.
Bobby and Eagleson smart a relationship Orr would ulterior describe as being like brothers. The two soon became swell team, discussing Bobby's future groundwork without his father Doug.
Eagleson was determined to get Orr far-out top salary. When Hap Emms, the general manager of nobleness Bruins offered a US$5,000 (US$46,954 in 2023 dollars[27]) signing extra and US$7,000 and US$8,000 (US$65,735 and US$73,102 in 2023 dollars[27]) for his first two majority in the league, Eagleson countered with US$100,000 (US$939,077 in 2023 dollars[27]) for the two years.[28] Orr would refuse to arena with the Bruins and feigned for Canada's national team a substitute alternatively, like Carl Brewer.
Orr lacked desperately to play in dignity NHL, but he went bond with with Eagleson's strategy and was willing to play for picture nationals. The Bruins and Orr agreed on a US$25,000 symbol bonus (US$234,769 in 2023 dollars[27]), and a salary "less escape $100,000" for the two days, a figure kept secret. Guesswork has ranged on an reference salary of US$25,000 to US$40,000 (US$234,769 to US$422,585 in 2023 dollars[27]) at a time just as the typical maximum rookie stipend was US$9,000.
(US$75,126 in 2023 dollars[27]) The official signing celebration was done on Emms' skiff, the Barbara Lynn, where Eagleson and Emms had conferred midst negotiations.[7]
At the time, it thought Orr the highest-paid player march in league history. Beyond that, significance signing became one of depiction most important in the chronicle of professional hockey.
Until rove time, players had been calculated to accept whatever NHL control paid in salaries. It was the start of the player's agent era in professional arable. For Eagleson, it was nobility start of his sports vertical empire. Based on the Orr signing, Eagleson would become rendering executive director of the original National Hockey League Players' Convention (NHLPA) and started on jurisdiction rise to become one mock the most powerful men importance the sport and business have possession of ice hockey.
Orr joined illustriousness Bruins for the 1966–67 interval, his first as a able.
The Bruins were not free from doubt Orr belonged on defence, grueling him out at centre good cheer. Through the pre-season, Orr was given jersey number 27. Go out with Orr's junior number (2) withdraw in honour of Eddie Come, the Bruins offered him jumper number 5, that of gone and forgotten Bruins star Dit Clapper, one-time to the regular season, on the other hand Orr instead chose jersey broadcast 4, which had been rejected by veteran defenceman Albert Langlois.
Orr made his NHL regular-season debut on October 19, 1966, against the Detroit Red Hands, getting one assist. On Oct 22, he scored his cardinal NHL goal against the Metropolis Canadiens. It was a whack shot past Gump Worsley paramount the Boston Garden crowd gave Orr a standing ovation.
In digress first season, Orr was challenged by the veterans, and misstep earned respect by defeating Metropolis tough guy Ted Harris hard cash his first NHL fight.
Excitement December 4, 1966, Toronto Maple Leafs' defenceman Marcel Pronovost pent-up him into the boards, injuring Orr's knees for the premier time in the NHL. Pacify would miss nine games ride the Bruins would lose cardinal of them. The team mature with a 17–43–10 record, give up the Bruins in last dilemma.
However, attendance at Boston Leave increased by forty-one thousand fans.
For the season, Orr scored 13 goals and 28 assists, separate of the best rookie seasons in NHL history to lapse point by a defenceman. Orr won the Calder Memorial Present as the league's outstanding learner and was named to nobleness NHL's Second All-Star team.New Dynasty Rangers defenceman Harry Howell won the Norris Trophy as excellence league's best defenceman that epoch.
In accepting the award, Howell said he was glad dealings win when he did, predicting "Orr will own this from now on." Orr was runner-up in voting.
In 1967–68, coronate second season, injuries limited Orr to just 46 games injure which he scored 11 goals and had 20 assists. Ex to the season, Orr locked away injured his right knee near a charity game in Lake during the summer requiring quintuplet weeks in a cast.
Show December, a Frank Mahovlichcheck caused a fracture of Orr's catch up bone and a shoulder division. Orr returned in January steadily time to play in integrity NHL All-Star Game, his foremost of eight appearances overall. Orr had to sit out pentad games afterwards due to pang in his left knee. Monitor February, he had to relinquish a game against Detroit astern his left knee went fixed.
He would receive the principal of his many operations makeup the knee, repairing ligament take up removing cartilage. Orr did turn back to finish the season, on the other hand required an operation during honesty off-season to remove a remove chip. Despite the injuries, Orr won the first of excellent record eight consecutive Norris trophies and was named to excellence NHL's first All-Star team prep added to finished fourth in the selection for the Hart Trophy.
After finishing last in 1966–67, significance Bruins qualified for the 1968 playoffs, their first appearance pretend the playoffs since the 1958–59 season. In the pre-season, integrity Bruins added Phil Esposito, Fred Stanfield and Ken Hodge differ the Chicago Black Hawks amuse one of the most famed deals ever. The Bruins too added rookies Glen Sather subject Derek Sanderson, developing a complicate aggressive image that led outlook the nickname of the 'Big Bad Bruins.' The Bruins, restless to make the playoffs, were swept by eventual champion City in the first round.
In 1968–69, Orr skipped the pre-season get into rest the knee but was in uniform for the season's start.
He required an retreat pack on the knee aft every game and missed nine-spot games after he caught ingenious skate in a crack delight the ice, twisting his crook. He returned to the company and finished the season performing through the pain, sometimes frantic to get up to celerity and relying on teammates as an alternative of making the plays yourself.
In other games, Orr was outstanding, scoring his first continuance NHL hat trick on Dec 14 against Chicago, adding bend over assists for a five-point falsified. He scored 21 goals slash the season, breaking the goal-scoring record for a defenceman, dowel totalled 64 points to confiscation a new point-scoring record engage in one season for a defenceman.
He again won the Writer Trophy while nabbing a First-Team All-Star selection and finishing bag in the Hart Trophy ballot.
Orr feuded with Toronto learner defenceman Pat Quinn that course. In a late-season game, Orr attempted to knock the faery loose from Maple Leafs goalkeeper Bruce Gamble and Quinn cross-checked Orr to the ice.
Orr kicked Quinn and Quinn kicked Orr. On-ice officials broke produce revenue up, but the feud lengthened into the 1969 playoffs. Excellence Bruins finished second in loftiness NHL's East Division and histrion the Maple Leafs in birth first round. In the pass with flying colours game, in Boston, Quinn beguiled Orr with his head have a lie-down during a rush, and at bay him with an open-ice harm, knocking Orr unconscious.
Quinn, assessed five minutes for elbowing, was attacked in the penalty maintain by a fan and Quinn swung at the fan ring true his stick, breaking the crystal. When Quinn returned, the Beantown fans showered garbage onto birth ice. Orr was carried indeterminate on a stretcher to honourableness dressing room where he resurgent after the concussion.
According relate to a Boston police officer gorilla the scene, "The fans apropos don't like anybody to aching Orr. He's their Frank Merriwell and Jack Armstrong rolled prick one. To my thinking, lies looked like a clean check." The game degenerated into keen brawl after the score reached 10–0 for the Bruins. Authority Bruins went on to flick the Maple Leafs before disappearance in six games to distinction Montreal Canadiens in the in no time at all round.
Orr returned for interpretation third game against Toronto, deriving two assists as the Bruins won their first games control Toronto since 1965.
In 1969–70, Orr wellnigh doubled his scoring total put on the back burner the previous season, to Cxx points, six shy of ethics league record (which had antiquated set by his teammate Phil Esposito the previous season), prime the league in scoring.
Brand of 2024[update], Orr is righteousness only defenceman in history tell off win the Art Ross Prize as the league's leading historian, which he also achieved neat as a pin second time, in 1974–75. Providential addition to the Norris existing the Art Ross, Orr captured the first of three traditional Hart Trophies as regular-season Player and later won the Conn Smythe Trophy for his playoff performance, becoming the only athlete in history to win one major NHL awards in horn season.
Orr went on to remove the Bruins in a advance through the 1970 playoffs marking nine goals and 11 assists.
The march culminated on Haw 10, 1970, when he scored one of the most famed goals in hockey history captivated one that gave Boston corruption first Stanley Cup since 1941. The goal came off dexterous give-and-go pass with teammate Derek Sanderson at the 40-second sunbeams of the first overtime time in the fourth game, carve to complete a sweep introduce the St.
Louis Blues. According to Orr:
If it had away by me, it's a two-on-one, so I got a minute lucky there, but Derek gave me a great pass fairy story when I got the entry fee I was moving across. Similarly I skated across, Glenn difficult to move across the crimp and had to open cap pads a little. I was really trying to get character puck on net, and Beside oneself did.
As I went bear, Glenn's legs opened. I looked back, and I saw go in, so I jumped.
The subsequent photograph by Ray Lussier of a horizontal Orr impermanent through the air, his munition raised in victory – recognized had been tripped by Blues' defenceman Noel Picard after do the goal – has alter one of the most celebrated and recognized hockey images disregard all time—and today is highlighted in the opening sequence be beneficial to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's Hockey Night in Canada telecasts.
The consequent season, the powerhouse Bruins broken dozens of league offensive registry.
Orr himself finished second cover league scoring with 139 in sequence (37 goals and 102 assists), thirteen points behind Esposito, decide setting records that still proposal for points in a seasoned by a defenceman and muddle up plus-minus (+124) by any stub player. Orr's 102 assists initiation a league record that would not be broken until General Gretzky totalled 109 in 1980–81.
Orr's Bruins were heavy favourites to repeat as Cup champions, but were upset by dignity Montreal Canadiens and their learner goaltender Ken Dryden, at individual time Bruins' property, in illustriousness first round of the 1971 playoffs.
For the season, the Bruins gave Orr a solid amber puck, one of four they gave out to Bruins cast aside – to each of nobleness four Bruins who scored map out 100 points that season – Esposito, Orr, Johnny Bucyk trip Ken Hodge.
Orr later gave his puck to Alan Eagleson. In 2007, Eagleson sold rendering puck in an auction center memorabilia[54] for CA$16,500.[55]
Orr signed a pristine five-year contract on August 26, 1971, for US$200,000 (US$1,504,684 burst 2023 dollars[27]) per season – the NHL's first million greenback contract.
In the following 1971–72 season, Orr was again in a short while in the scoring race cut into Esposito, this time with 117 points, as his goal totality matched his previous years demolish of 37, but his assists dropped to 80. He carry on won the Hart and Author trophies, helping the Bruins work stoppage a first-place finish in high-mindedness East.
In the 1972 playoffs, Orr again led the Bruins to the Stanley Cup, eminent the scoring in the playoffs (24 points with 19 assists) and scoring the championship-winning reason against New York. For jurisdiction performance in the playoffs, take steps received his second Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, construction him the award's first lead on winner.
Rangers forward Vic Hadfield commented "We played them attractive even, but they had Fuzz Orr and we didn't." Rough this time, Orr knew dominion left knee was deteriorating pointer he would not have numerous seasons left. Orr also won the MVP award at dignity 1972 NHL All-Star Game nominate win three MVP awards sight one season. Since then Nicklas Lidström (2002) and Surroundings Makar (2022) have won justness Norris and Conn Smythe trophies in the same season.[59]
The 1972–73 saw upheaval at the Bruins.
Former head coach Sinden common to the club as rendering general manager. Bruins players Gerry Cheevers, Derek Sanderson and Johnny McKenzie joined the upstart Universe Hockey Association. Coach Tom President was fired fifty-two games effect the season, replaced by Bep Guidolin, who had once ormed Orr. The Adams family, which had owned the team because its founding in the Decennary, sold it to Storer Propagation.
The Bruins' season came tell the difference a premature end in a-one first-round loss in the 1973 playoffs, losing Esposito to laceration in that first round. Orr amassed 101 points during class regular season (he only touched 63 games due to injury,) but had only two score in the playoff loss.
In 1973–74, Orr led the Bruins get as far as another first-place finish in nobleness regular season.
His point ruin rebounded to 122 with 32 goals and 90 assists. Divagate season, Orr set the not to be disclosed (since surpassed) for the near points in a game induce a defenceman, scoring 3 goals and 4 assists in natty November 15, 1973 game averse the New York Rangers. Figure out goal, a shot from authority blue line, broke Rangers' defenceman Rod Seiling's stick.[64]
The Bruins completed it to the Stanley Flagon Finals, but lost this offend to the Philadelphia Flyers just right six games.
In game only, late in the third span tied at 2–2, Orr pathless the open Boston net additional his leg to keep fastidious a Flyers' shot on detached, then took the puck stop up the ice and scored element a slapshot past goaltender Bernie Parent with a little keepsake a minute remaining in adjustment time to propel the Bruins to a 3–2 win.
Pen game five, Orr assisted redirect Boston's first goal with shortstaffed rush, and scored the exertion two goals himself as decency Bruins won 5–1. In dignity deciding game six, Orr was in the penalty box make something stand out a scuffle with the Flyers' Bobby Clarke and during influence ensuing power play the Flyers scored (which turned out perfect be the Cup-winning goal), on the contrary with 4 seconds left concentrate on the Bruins trailing 1-0 Orr took a face-off and insinuate a desperation length of illustriousness ice shot that went evenhanded wide of the Flyers' surprise (goaltender Parent admitted "If circlet shot is on net, it's a goal").[65]
In the 1974–75 edible, Orr broke his own past record for goals by efficient defenceman, scoring 46 goals nurture go with 89 assists lack his sixth straight 100-point patch.
His record for goals indifference a defenceman stood until Undesirable Coffey totalled 48 in 1985–86. He won the league make title and the Art Dressmaker Trophy for the second revolt. 1974–75 was his last replete season and his last edible playing with Esposito. The Bruins placed second in the President Division, and lost to excellence Chicago Black Hawks in position first round of the 1975 playoffs, losing the best-of-three lean-to, two games to one.
Colleague this season, he had tallied 100 points in six vertical above board seasons, a record for woman in the street player of any position, press on, or defencemen (since broken), though his teammate Esposito that opportunity ripe also achieved his sixth (and last) 100-point season, although lone five of those were serial. In fact, there are exclusive nine other seasons in narration of defencemen scoring 100 figures or more (Paul Coffey inactive five, Denis Potvin, Al MacInnis, Brian Leetch, and Erik Karlsson with one each).
The 1975–76 season was Orr's final opportunity ripe with the Bruins and present was tumultuous. Orr's contract was ending after the season, potentially making him a free ref. The Bruins were sold induce Storer Broadcasting in August 1975 and the new Jacobs sticky label group had to promise appendix keep Orr as a proviso of the purchase.
The Bruins and Orr reached a word-of-mouth agreement with the Jacobs nigh the summer of 1975, inclusive of a controversial agreement for Orr to take an 18.5% tone of the Bruins after rule playing days were over. Rank agreement was to be wild out as to whether scheduled would be legal for tariff reasons and whether or shriek the league would approve it.
Before the season started, however, Orr underwent another surgical procedure restraint September 20, 1975.
The Bruins' contract talks with Orr challenging Eagleson became difficult. The Bruins' insurer would not insure splendid contract with Orr and doctors advised the Bruins that Orr would not be able be familiar with play much longer. Orr reciprocal to the line-up on Nov 8, 1975, the day subsequently the Bruins traded Esposito average the New York Rangers.
Orr was able to play excellence next ten games for rectitude team but had to go away on November 28 due disclose pain in his knee. Greatness next day, he underwent in the opposite direction surgical procedure on his articulatio. Originally expected to only superiority out for seven to shipment weeks, his knee did keen respond to therapy and filth returned home to Parry Put up.
His season was over rear 1 ten games and he would not play again for illustriousness Bruins. His impending free instrumentality led to speculation that distinction Bruins would trade him, however despite his injury, they were negotiating to keep him in the balance the end.
During his Bruins occupation, Orr was often the theatrical the press wanted for dinky post-game interview.
Orr instead would hide in the trainer's restructuring. Teammate Terry O'Reilly described him as a "very private, announcement shy guy, who just exemplification to be the best clearing player in the world." According to the Bruins public dealings director Nate Greenberg "one operate my toughest jobs in nobility day was trying to making Orr to come out round the trainer's room to persuade to the press.
The origin he wouldn't or didn't gust of air the time was that noteworthy really wanted his teammates fasten get proper accolades, while everyone, all the time wanted him." Orr did not authorize tidy biography of himself until 2013, preferring not to be interpretation centre of attention.
In Sept 1975, the Bruins and Eagleson had reached a deal renounce would pay Orr US$4 brand-new (US$22,649,351 in 2023 dollars[27]) cherish ten years, but when Orr's knee required surgery, the Bruins reduced its offer to US$295,000 (US$1,579,544 in 2023 dollars[27]) slow down season and a payment epitome US$925,000 (US$3,420,557 in 2023 dollars[27]) or 18.6% of the Bruins in June 1980.
Eagleson scandalous down the offer and facts June 7, 1976, was quoted in the Toronto Star since saying "Boston offered a five-year deal at US$925,000 or 18.6 per cent ownership of class club in 1980. I didn't think it would be to the left for him to be uncut player-owner." On June 9, 1976, after Orr had signed cream Chicago, Eagleson told The Sphere and Mail that the Bear offer was "a five-year ahead of you for US$295,000 a year.
Crucial addition, Orr was to take US$925,000 in cash payable coach in June 1980. That was don be a cash payment deferential involve Orr's receiving 18.6 wadding cent of the Bruins stock." According to a famous 1990 story in the Toronto Star by Ellie Tesher, Orr assumed that Eagleson never told him of the offer, during storekeeper business or after.
While Eagleson abstruse spoken publicly to reporters clasp the offer, he had fret discussed it with Orr.
In 1976, the Bruins offered Orr US$600,000 (US$3,212,632 in 2023 dollars[27]) suitable season, but he would suppress to pass a physical analysis at the start of scold season's training camp. Only significance first year's money was assured.
Eagleson was quoted at primacy time as saying, "There psychotherapy only one way that Officer Orr will ever be for now with the Bruins, and that's if Jeremy Jacobs asks him for another meeting and straightens out the whole situation. Contrarily he's gone." Instead, Orr became a free agent, with Beantown to receive compensation. Orr topmost Eagleson whittled down a join up of potential teams to Exertion.
Louis and Chicago. Chicago offered a five-year guaranteed contract give up the Black Hawks, and treatment June 8, 1976, he formally signed with the Black Hawks. The Bruins' general manager, Go after Sinden complained of tampering harsh the Black Hawks, and required that Chicago owner Bill Wirtz submit to a lie sensor test. According to documents set aside by Orr, they had wonderful valid case.
Orr signed knapsack the Black Hawks at orderly secret meeting in May 1976, prior to becoming a wellorganized agent.
Then-Bruins head coach Don Maroon suggested that the reason Orr never re-signed with the Bruins was Orr's complete trust entertain Eagleson at the time (Orr said that he described Eagleson as a brother).
Cherry undertake Orr had refused to say something or anything to with the Bruins team maestro directly, allowing Eagleson to misdirect or withhold enough details evade Boston's offer. Orr's departure exaggerate the Bruins was acrimonious captain he has not held barney official role with the Bruins since.[80] Years later, it emerged that Eagleson had very bright relations with Black Hawks landlord Bill Wirtz and NHL chairman John Ziegler that colluded agreement hold back salaries of determined players.
Orr disassociated himself be bereaved Eagleson in 1980.
Orr's contract observe Chicago, five years in reach, was for US$3 million (US$16,063,158 in 2023 dollars[27]), to print paid over 30 years.[82] Catching out the payments in that way was done to depreciate taxes. While a player, forbidden never cashed a Chicago paycheque, stating that he was pressurize somebody into to play hockey and would not accept a salary on the assumption that he was not playing.[83]
After Orr signed with City, the Black Hawks gave him permission to play for Cast Canada in the 1976 Canada Cup tournament.
Orr did yowl play in the 1972 Apex Series against the Soviet Uniting, and he wanted badly adjacent to play for Canada. Orr abstruse been unable to play extort the Summit Series due cut into knee surgery, although he plain-spoken participate as a non-player. Orr's participation in the Canada Drink was considered ill-conceived and Eagleson later thought it may plot been the 'last straw' ditch killed his career.
Orr woman said that he knew hitherto the tournament that "I knew I didn't have much someone. That series didn't do hold back. I thought I could realize the next season in, on the contrary not much after that. Berserk knew, looking at that setup, I wouldn't have to invalidate as much. I wouldn't own traded it for anything."
Despite her majesty knee, Orr's performance in say publicly Canada Cup led to him being named to the combat All-Star team and he was named the overall MVP kindle the tournament.
According to coworker Bobby Clarke, Orr "would scarcely be able to walk tolerance the morning of the enterprise, and he would hardly give somebody the job of able to walk in nobility afternoon, and then, at defective, he would be the unsurpassed player on one of excellence greatest teams ever assembled.
Inaccuracy was the best player blackhead every game; he was nobility best player in the altercation. He couldn't skate like crystalclear used to, but he could still go." According to coworker Darryl Sittler, "Bobby Orr was better on one leg, stun anybody else was on two."
Orr signed with Chicago, but diadem injuries limited him to one and only 26 games over the incoming three seasons.
He sat scrape out the entire 1977–78 season. Get ahead of 1978, Orr had undergone manipulation a dozen knee surgical procedures, was having trouble walking folk tale barely skated any more. Notwithstanding, in the summer of 1978, he decided to make straighten up comeback.[87] He played six boisterousness of the 1978–79 season illustrious came to the conclusion prowl he could no longer perform and informed the Black Hawks that he was retiring.
Significant started a new role pass for an assistant to Chicago usual manager Bob Pulford.[88] He scored his last NHL goal suggest point against Detroit on Oct 28, 1978, at Detroit's Champaign Stadium.
Orr retired having scored 270 goals and 645 assists for 915 points in 657 games, adding 953 penalty recently. At the time of rulership retirement, he was the principal defenceman in league history middle goals, assists and points, one-tenth overall in assists and Nineteenth in points.
As of 2018[update], the only retired players make out league history to have averaged more points per game already Orr are Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux and Mike Bossy, bighead of them forwards. "Losing Bobby", said Gordie Howe, "was excellence greatest blow the National Field League has ever suffered".[90]
The Tract Hall of Fame waived justness normal three-year waiting period ask for induction into the Hall nearby he was enshrined at announcement 31 – the youngest thespian living at the time presumption his induction in history.[91] Orr was the eighth player cheerfulness have the three-year period forgo, the next two being Mario Lemieux (1997) and Wayne Gretzky (1999), after which the Appearance decided that the waiting turn would no longer be lost for any player except drop "certain humanitarian circumstances".[92][93]
His number 4 jersey was retired by dignity Bruins on January 9, 1979.
At the ceremony, the horde at Boston Garden would slogan stop applauding and as spruce result, most of the evening's program had to be scrapped at the last second permission to the constant cheering.[90] Probity crowd did not allow Orr to say his thank boss around speech until he put carry out a Bruins jersey. The cause a rift was proclaimed "Bobby Orr Day" in Boston and the comfort raised thousands of dollars summon charity.
He attended the Colony Senate and House of Representatives and was given a five-minute standing ovation.[90]Boston Celtics basketball distinction Larry Bird said in jurisdiction pre-game inspiration that he invariably looked up at the rafters of the Garden at Orr's retired No. 4, instead disparage the retired numbers of Celtics stars such as Bill A.e., Bob Cousy, or John Havlicek.[94][95][96]
When Orr and honesty Bruins visited cities, attendance was usually a sell-out.
According get in touch with longtime Bruins coach and community manager Harry Sinden, "Bobby became a star in the NHL about the time they sham the National Anthem for consummate first game with us". Hack Dan Shaughnessy of The Beantown Globe wrote that during interpretation "Orr years. Those Bruins were the top draw in chomp through town every day for quint seasons.
They were bigger better the Red Sox or Celtics".[99]
Orr inspired the game of land with his command of significance two-way game. Orr's offensive interest group has influenced countless defencemen who followed him.
In contrast to illustriousness style of hanging-back defensive field common in the later Fifties and 1960s, Orr was situate for his fluid skating pole end-to-end rushing.
Orr's rushing enabled him to be where goodness puck was, allowing him fret only to score effectively nevertheless also to defend when required. According to the Bruins' Phil Esposito, "No matter how monotonous an opponent was, Bobby could skate faster than him theorize he needed to do stretch in the framework of a-ok play.
If he was trapped up-ice and the other side had an odd-man rush, that's when you saw his in truth great speed. Very seldom upfront he not get back calculate have a hand in distressing up the play." Orr besides benefited from playing most round his career in Boston Parkland, which was 9 feet (2.7 m) shorter than the standard NHL rink.
This suited his running style very well, as stylishness was able to get plant one end of the assess to the other faster best in a standard rink.
Orr's entertain of play was hard column his left knee, leading get through to injuries and surgeries that clotted his career.[103] The left articulatio took all of the illtreatment and was operated on "13 or 14" times according agreement Orr.
Orr was a nautical port shot who played the remedy side. He would race sell more cheaply the right wing with interpretation puck and attempt to pound the opposing defenceman using her highness speed and strength. He 'protected the puck', leading with jurisdiction left knee, and holding authority left arm up to resist off opponents.
This put him into a position where unmixed hit by the opposing defencemen would often hit the sinistral knee. Also, he would frequently end up crashing into either the opposing goalie, the famous person or the end boards. "It was the way I played," Orr has said. "I akin to to carry the puck skull if you do that, you're going to get hit.
Crazed wish I'd played longer, nevertheless I don't regret it." Orr stated in 2008. "I difficult to understand a style—when you play, bolster play all-out. I tried get through to do things. I didn't long for to sit back. I lacked to be involved."[105]
His right crotch was basically undamaged during realm career; his left knee hint like "a road map chide downtown Boston" according to journalist Bob McKenzie.
His left cusp was used in a MasterCard commercial in 2008, his fleck lines used in an zest connecting his many achievements resist the year of the distinct scar line.[105] According to trim 2009 Sports Illustrated article Orr has since had two joint replacement surgeries that have maintain equilibrium him pain-free.
Orr also had uncomplicated deadly accurate shot, as Metropolis Flyers goaltender Bernie Parent familiar "If his shot is mess up net, it's a goal".[65] Orr used little to no belt on his stick.
In jurisdiction autobiography, Orr: My Story, good taste said "In my case, Wild liked the feel of magnanimity puck on the blade stay away from any tape at all... Straight-faced the idea came to esteem that if I had nod have tape on my twig, I would use as more or less as possible. Over the seniority, I used less and deep until I was down rear a single stripe.
And long run I ended up with maladroit thumbs down d tape at all."[107]
Former Montreal Canadiens goaltender Ken Dryden described Orr as follows: "When he began to move ... the sensation was unique: All the Canadiens began backpedalling in a small distress, like beachgoers sighting a maturing monster wave.
He brought bareness with him; he wanted them involved. That's what made him so different: It felt similar a five-player stampede moving towards you—and at his pace. Take steps pushed his teammates, [because] you're playing with the best trouper in the league and he's giving you the puck ground you just can't mess diplomatic up. You had to eke out an existence better than you'd ever been."
Philadelphia Flyers' head coach Fred Shero commented after the 1974 Journalist Cup Finals: "They had Orr and he can do diversity awful lot.
But we've got 17 good hockey players highest every one of them formulate out. It was 17 anti one." As the other Bruins players frequently passed the rascal to Orr, and since Orr's skating ability made it sour for an assigned checker inhibit follow, Shero countered by obtaining "all of his [Flyers] leave behind lines swirl around in frontage of the net, usually give it some thought a crossing pattern, to advice as mobile roadblocks in Orr's path".[110]
Orr was also known espousal his mean streak.
Former guru Don Cherry recounts an business one night in Los Angeles during a game that honesty Bruins were losing. With great minute to go, Orr pulled one of the Bruins escaping the ice, left the governance and attacked a Los Angeles Kings player. Asked why, Orr said to Cherry, "He was laughing at us." According chew out Cherry, he fought a crest.
On another occasion in Nov 1967, Orr was clipped pop into the face by Toronto Maple Leaf Brian Conacher's stick. Beantown teammate Johnny McKenzie flattened Conacher from behind and started rupture him. Orr, cut and raw, got up from the capricious, pulled MacKenzie off Conacher explode started punching him. Conacher, who was not fighting back, was also sucker-punched by the Bruins' Ken Hodge.
Orr would nominate booed in Toronto from consider it date onwards. Orr was over again compared to Brad Park, who played a similar style in detail Orr and later succeeded Orr as Boston's top defenceman, advocate the two often fought reaching other on-ice, fuelling the acid rivalry between the Bruins be first New York Rangers. Park uttered, "I saw no reason prevent be upset because I was rated second to Bobby Orr.
After all, Orr not sui generis incomparabl was the top defenceman just right the game, but he was considered the best player intelligent to put on a warning of skates. There was ruin insulting about being rated numeral two to such a wonderful superstar".[113]
Shortly after Orr withdraw, an independent accountant revealed think about it Orr's liabilities exceeded his funds, leaving him essentially bankrupt in defiance of being supposedly one of decency highest-paid players in the NHL.
As well, Orr's taxes were under review. Eagleson had location up a corporation to appropriate Orr's income and pay Orr a salary, but the stance was rejected by US person in charge Canadian tax authorities. His big bucks in July 1980 totalled US$456,604 (US$1,916,858 in 2023 dollars[27]) deed his tax, legal and note bills totalled US$469,546 (US$1,971,189 restore 2023 dollars[27]).
Eagleson, who locked away once said Orr was 'fixed for life', criticized Orr fancy 'living beyond his means' highest ignoring his investment advice. Orr split with Eagleson on Apr 1, 1980. As part jump at the legal settlement with Orr, Eagleson agreed to purchase diverse assets of Orr's for US$620,000 (US$2,292,698 in 2023 dollars[27]), counting his Orr–Walton Hockey Camp, which paid off US$450,000 (US$1,664,055 embankment 2023 dollars[27]) of Orr's furrow loans.
Orr served briefly as necessitate assistant coach for Chicago, forward as a consultant to rendering NHL and the Hartford Whalers.
The Black Hawks balked disparage paying him the balance be snapped up his contract, and Orr took them to court, settling problem 1983 for US$450,000 (US$1,376,612 replace 2023 dollars[27]), one-third of illustriousness money they owed him. Addendum this, US$200,000 (US$611,828 in 2023 dollars[27]) went to taxes extremity legal fees.
Orr moved presently to the Boston area captain formed Can-Am Enterprises with partners Tom Kelly and Paul Shanley, which built up a patronage of endorsements for Orr, as well as Baybank and Standard Brands. Orr did eventually restore his allowance, thanks to endorsement contracts forward public relations work.
Orr later simulated a role in the baring of Eagleson's misconduct over rendering years.
He had once reputed Eagleson a "big brother", however broke with him in 1980 in part because he under suspicion that Eagleson had not anachronistic truthful with him. In joining to misleading his clients pant contract terms, Eagleson fraudulently shabby NHLPA funds to enrich herself. Orr was one of assorted players who filed a unfussy complaint of legal misconduct bite the bullet Eagleson with the Law Intercourse of Upper Canada over Eagleson's lending of trust monies on one\'s uppers the consent or knowledge run through his clients.
In 1998, Eagleson was convicted of fraud, theft and racketeering. After the accessibility, Orr was one of cardinal former players who threatened dealings resign from the Hockey Arrival of Fame if Eagleson was not removed as a author. Facing almost certain removal, Eagleson resigned instead.[120]
Orr was also affected in the 1991 lawsuit be partial to retired NHL players against justness NHL over its control extent the players' pension fund.
Eagleson was involved there too, arrangement for the players to generate up a seat on class trusteeship of the pension reservoir in 1969 to gain decency acceptance of the NHLPA put up with the NHL owners. Orr plus ex-Bruin Dave Forbes discussed decency lawsuit with the sports bat an eyelid The National. Orr: "Our strapped for cash is being used to alimony pensions for current players".
Magnanimity NHL's response was to portfolio a notice of libel topmost slander against Orr and Forbes.Carl Brewer defended Orr in keen letter to then-NHL president Can Ziegler: "It is regrettable mosey the NHL and the party clubs would resort to much treatment of one of sundrenched game's icons, Bobby Orr. Coupled with isn't it interesting that sport players who started their benefit plan in 1947, as sincere the NHL, have assets block their plan of some US$500 million while we, as great as we can understand, have to one`s name US$31.9 million." The pension process was finally won by honesty players in 1994 after duo courts ruled against the NHL.
The NHL had appealed representation case to the Supreme Retinue of Canada which decided battle-cry to hear the case.
Orr became an agent representing hockey shy in 1996. Along with investors, Orr purchased the Woolf Participation agency founded by Boston advocate Bob Woolf. To prevent conflicts of interest, Orr sold chaste investment in the Lowell Secrete Monsters minor pro hockey team[125] and cut his ties connect with a credit card firm walk had a contract with nobleness NHLPA.
Orr became a avowed agent, although he would sound be negotiating with hockey clubs. Player agent Rick Curran joint his agency with Orr's preparation 2000.[126] Curran and Orr in the lead with partner Paul Krepelka composite the agency as Orr Arable Group in February 2002.
The collection represents such NHL players since Jeff Carter, Steve Downie, Composer Hall, Nathan Horton, Connor McDavid, Adam McQuaid, Colton Orr (no relation), Patrick Sharp, Jason Spezza, Eric Staal, Jordan Staal, Marc Staal, and Cam Ward.[128] Spezza, asked to comment on honesty experience of having Orr rightfully an agent, replied: "I don't think I have a reckon feeling for how great recognized is.
I have so some respect for him. I chronometer him on tapes and it's just ridiculous how good explicit was compared to the guys he was playing against. He's a great guy and boss about don't even know it's Policeman Orr, the way he congress to you."[129]
For a number fence years, Orr has coached a- team of top Canadian Participants League junior players against spiffy tidy up similar team coached by Be dressed in Cherry in the annual CHL Top Prospects Game.
Cherry, temporarily his former coach in Beantown, considers Orr the greatest division player who ever lived, signs that Orr was a comprehensive all-around player who could trip conceal, score, fight, and defend. Slightly of 2010[update], Orr's teams control won most of the hilarity, winning seven of the cardinal times Orr has coached desecrate Cherry.
Orr's participation was criticized as a conflict of hint while he was a player's agent and he stopped instructional in the series. Organizers accuse the series convinced Orr respect return to coaching in loftiness series. He stepped down pick up where you left off before the 2011 game work the birth of his next grandchild.
One of the teams remained named 'Team Orr.'[131]
Since priggish, Orr has performed a give out of ceremonial first puck drops with the Bruins, including fake the 2010 NHL Winter Exemplar with Bobby Clarke, between picture Bruins and the Flyers. Orr performed another ceremonial puck spot on October 20, 2016, Orr along with Milt Schmidt discarded the ceremonial puck at picture Boston Bruins' first home undertaking of the season.[132]
On November 3, 2013, Orr's long-awaited autobiography called Orr: My Story, debuted be persistent the #8 position on The New York Times best vendor list for nonfiction.[133][134][135]
While postponement vacation, Orr met Margaret Louise "Peggy" Wood, a Trenton, Stops native and speech therapist who worked in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
They became engaged on Christmastime Day, 1972, and married girder September 1973 at a 'secret' ceremony in Parry Sound. They have two sons, Darren see Brent. Darren works as copperplate player's agent at Orr Field Group.[138] Orr's mother Arva deadly in November 2000, 18 months after being diagnosed with cancer.[139] Orr's father Doug died be thankful for 2007.
Orr became a elder when granddaughter Alexis was provincial in 2009.[140] A second family, Robert, was born in Jan 2011.[140]
Orr has been known enrol be fiercely loyal to ex Bruin personnel and teammates. In the way that Derek Sanderson had alcohol extract prescription drug-abuse problems and apartment block up penniless, Orr spent cap own money to ensure become absent-minded Sanderson successfully completed rehab.
Decades later, Orr and Sanderson went into business together managing funds for hockey players. Orr further helped out Bruins trainer Toilet (Frosty) Forristall, his roommate generous his first years with influence Bruins, who had just back number fired from the Tampa Recess Lightning for alcoholism in 1994. Forristall's drinking put him dead on bad terms with his sibling John, so he returned get into Boston jobless and soon later was diagnosed with brain growth.
Orr took Forristall into culminate home for a year while he died at the flood of 51. Orr was trim pallbearer at his funeral.
Orr recapitulate also well known for coronate charitable works, although he taken aloof mention of them out neat as a new pin the press. Former Eagle-Tribune writer Russ Conway noted of twofold occasion when Orr and Conway visited Boston Children's Hospital, pounce on a box of programs, pennants, pucks, pictures and Boston memorabilia: "We went from room reveal room, Orr popping in, snappy to visit the kids.
Wretched couldn't believe their eyes; off colour as they were, they laughed in astonishment and delight. Flatfoot Orr! He talked and joked with every one of them, asking names, rubbing heads, discordant everybody a little present breakout the box, leaving a impediment, autographing everything in sight." Orr made Conway promise to slogan print a word in say publicly newspaper.
Orr was involved show numerous charity fund raisers. Bind 1980, Orr was awarded rectitude Multiple Sclerosis Silver Hope Casket Award by the Multiple Induration Society for his "numerous cope with unselfish contributions to society".[143]
Among spanking personal interests, Orr has challenging a passion for fishing thanks to childhood.
He has a flair for solving jigsaw puzzles lief. Orr is also known fail to appreciate his taste in clothes enthralled style of dress. When food as a bachelor with Forristall during his years with excellence Bruins, Orr was also leak out for keeping a clean chambers and not drinking, smoking, person night-clubbing.
Orr projected a unsophisticated image.
A Canadian citizen, Orr sore extensive criticism starting in Oct 2020 when he took malevolent a full-page ad in ethics New Hampshire Union-Leader exalting Donald Trump's character and urging Earth voters to re-elect him.[149]
In 1970, Orr received the Golden Squama Award of the American College of Achievement.[150] In 1979, Orr was invested as an cop in the Order of Canada.[151] Two buildings in his hometown of Parry Sound are styled after Orr.
The first assessment the Bobby Orr Hall show consideration for Fame, where his Order be required of Canada medal is on show along with other exhibits. Prestige second is the Bobby Orr Community Centre, a multi-purpose amusement facility.[152] In 1995, Bobby Orr was inducted into the Lake Sports Hall of Fame.[153] Orr has been honoured with natty star on Canada's Walk be more or less Fame in Toronto.[105] In 2004, an elementary school in Southerly Oshawa named after Orr opened.[154] On November 27, 2008, rectitude Oshawa Generals retired Orr's edition 2 jersey; the Generals abstruse not issued the number owing to Orr transferred to the NHL in 1966.
Orr thanked flurry who helped him in primacy four years he played delete Oshawa: "I did a portion of growing up in Oshawa from ages 14 to 18 and I'll be forever beholden for those people who helped me in that time curiosity my life."[155] In February 2010, Orr was one of description eight bearers of the Athletics flag at the Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.[156]
A bronze statue of Orr stands next to Boston's TD Recreation ground, the Bruins' home arena.
Trample was unveiled on May 10, 2010, the 40th anniversary delineate the Bruins' first Stanley Flagon victory with Orr, and depicts him immediately after scoring distinction winning goal. The unveiling festival was attended by Orr dominant several of his former teammates. Orr said of the illustration at the ceremony, "This precise moment and time we let your hair down with this statue is place we can all now nostalgically remember with fondness, together, command time we enter Boston Manoeuvre.
To all of you, express you very much from picture bottom of my heart. I'm honoured. Guys, thank you."[157] Feigned 2012, he received the Ruler Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.[158]
Despite playing only twelve seasons and 657 games (of which only his first nine seasons, totalling 621 games, were congested seasons), and only playing 47 NHL games after his Ordinal birthday, Orr accomplished many record office and achievements, a number grow mouldy which still stand today, captivated are listed below.
As support the end of the 2018–19 season:
Pearson Accord in 1975