The Hall of Fame Career of Ray Bourque

I did a career video on Bourque in 2018, felt it needed an updated version now.
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[@weez82]

Still to this day, the happiest moment in hockey for me is Joe Sakic handing Ray Bourque the Stanley Cup and watching him raise it. It was a magical moment

[@gocanuckurself1]

Same, still love that moment!

[@jessiegandhi4340]

As a devils fan, i low key hated that moment because it came in the expense of the devils… and it was my 1st full season watching hockey.. was bitter but now im happy for him i guess

[@MDK2_Radio]

Absolutely one of the most iconic moments in sports, not just hockey.

[@t.r.m.2593]

Die hard life long Hawks fan here and when Joe handed the trophy to Ray is what Hockey is all about. One of the greatest moments of the last 30yrs in the NHL.

[@weez82]

@@MDK2_Radio I agree 100%

[@RickinBaltimore]

"And after 22 years, RAYMOND BOURQUE!" I don't care who you are a fan of, if that doesn't give you chills you aren't a hockey fan.

[@sst6601]

It doesn't give me chills. And I'm a huge hockey fan

[@carparthero]

@@sst6601 then you're a cold hearted snake lol.💩 i've been watching the game since 1980 and the gary thorne call/sakic cup pass to bourque was kind of a big deal. ..and i don't even like COL.

[@yoholmes273]

I was in NJ for Game 6 when Roy shut out NJ. I will say Broduer & Beezer were a tremendous tandem all season. Joe Sakic passing The Cup to Ray first, was the classiest thing I've ever seen a captain do.

[@sst6601]

@@carparthero when you're the Devils fan of 30 odd years you don't give a shit about that Sakic Bourque melodrama. You just care about Stevens as a Devil lifting the Cup. And those two motherfu..s didn't let that happen. And yeah, you are that brown thing at the end of your message too😁

[@sst6601]

@@yoholmes273 Brodeur was abysmal that playoff year and especially in the finals. Beezer should have been given a chance

[@LSA30]

“And I would have gotten away with a Hart trophy if it wasn’t for you, meddling forwards!” -Ray Bourque, probably

[@rickyaz8640]

Gretzky, Messier, Lemiuex unfortunately blocking his path

[@johnthomas5314]

It was actually Messier who (narrowly) beat him in 89-90'.

[@shanew5957]

Since we are entering a new era of Blue Jacket hockey would love to see a career video on Rick Nash. Thanks for everything you do Shannon.

[@skankhunt9896]

That's a decent suggestion actually, good call!

[@hmccombable]

After 22 years...

[@adamjrothstein]

Raymond Bourque. A dream has come true!

[@prezidentjeff]

Remember that call like it was yesterday. Salute to Gary Thorne for capturing that moment so perfectly

[@KevinJL]

The line I will remember was in the last minute of the game, Thorne remarked about Boston fans standing and cheering for him even though he wasn't a member of the Bruins. Clement replied you're right he isn't a member of the Bruins, but he's still one of them.

[@peterroberts4415]

​@@thehive42"It may be hard for him to navigate the ice through his own tears"

[@MDK2_Radio]

@@KevinJLBoston fans were all Colorado fans that postseason. I remember that clearly. Frankenjerseys that were half-Bruins half-Avalanche with his name and number were quite common in the stands here in Denver. I recall that 20,000 turned up to a special rally in Boston for him and the Cup. All well deserved. He never would have left if the Bruins had a snowball’s chance and I think everyone knew that.

[@spencerwalsh5009]

I agree. Bourque is the best defenseman ever no question. His consistency was remarkable. Great offensively and just as solid defensively.

[@letsgoblues21]

I am always amazed at the amount of content you can fit on a white board

[@timsinkovitz]

Bourque was so consistent that he outscored Paul Coffey by the end of his career. That's just crazy considering Coffey once scored 47 or 48 goals and 147 points in one season. Never thought that Bourque stood a chance at being the all time goals, assists and point leader for defencemen. He was so modest throughout his whole career. I think he might just be the most underrated defenceman of all time compared to others like Orr, Harvey, Lidstrom, Coffey and Shore.

[@billsouza4457]

Agreed... 138 points was Coffey's best I believe...Orr's best was 139.The only two d men to have more than one one hundred point seasons. As a d man Bourque was clearly better than Coffey and Imo was the best besides Orr all time. I know Lidstrom was great but his teams were stacked and he didn't put up the numbers and didn't play the physical game Bourque played. I will take Bourque over Lidstrom any and every time!!!

[@yoholmes273]

The man had his own personal parade in downtown Boston, bringing The Stanley Cup back from Colorado! This is back when when Boston hadn't had a championship of any kind for a good long while. Like his entire career, All Class!

[@MiroHeinonen]

At the time of Colorado's 2001 Cup win, Boston's last major pro league championship had been the Celtics' NBA title in 1986.

[@doggosplosion]

He was also an essential part of the "Cam Neely Workout". I instead had to use something else around the house, instead of a Ray Bourque.

[@biffdanielson2820]

We loved this guy in Colorado. The whole season, every Avs fan knew what was on the line, and for some of us, June 9th, 2001, was the best day in sports history.

[@KevinJL]

My all time favorite player and no one has or will probably be close. Bourque was amazing at the accuracy. The way he shot the puck and the quickness he hit all the targets. That was one of the reasons I became a big fan. Bourque also technically played a game in 4 decades. October 1979 - June 2001.

[@bartsanders1553]

Only one man played in more.

[@SverigeiSverige]

@@bartsanders1553Howe

[@bartsanders1553]

@@SverigeiSverige first game 1947, last game 1980.🫡

[@SverigeiSverige]

@@bartsanders1553 His last game was with Detroit Vipers 1997-98. 6 decades! 😮 🕰️🗓️

[@bartsanders1553]

@@SverigeiSverige He played one shift, right? Still, tho

[@mohammadnasir9841]

would love to see a gerry cheevers video . saw that you havent covered him yet

[@TheAcgtrs]

And the classiest move I have ever seen. When he gave up his #7, becoming #77, and permanently, fully retiring Phil Esposito‘s number into the rafters. And nobody knew it was going to happen, until it did.

[@maryk6192]

That was an iconic moment for me, I knew I was witnessing hockey history. I will never forget it.

[@carparthero]

@The Hockey Guy given i'm 49 and close to your age. your attention to detail with the ray bourque career was 🔥. imo the mount rushmore for d-men all-time would be: orr, harvey, lidstrom and bourque. i'm a lidstrom guy and idc what order folks arrange their choices. all 4 guys are fantastic d-men. selfishly i sure hope bergeron doesn't retire, but in the event he does this summer, i look forward to the incredible hard work you're going to do to tribute and educate the viewership.

[@bartsanders1553]

I prefer to just call them the best of their eras, even with the overlap in their careers.

[@Peksisarvinen]

As a fellod Lidström guy, I salute you.

[@carparthero]

@bartsanders1553 excellent. all the best with whichever players and team(s) you are rooting for. cheers 🍻 from southern ontario, canada 🇨🇦

[@carparthero]

@peksisarvinen243 great to hear from you in europe! cheers 🍻 from southern ontario, canada 🇨🇦

[@TheEmpressMouse]

How could you forget the Stanley Cup ceremony? He got to raise it first.

[@neutralsportsfan17]

Ray Bourque may be the only thing that Denver and Boston sports fans can see eye to eye on. I still find it a little bit odd that the Avs retired his jersey.

[@jeffa.7618]

1000% this.

[@KevinJL]

His impact was that big I suppose. I get your point. Even though he was there for 128 games he's a big part of the Avs history.

[@bartsanders1553]

Mission 16W

[@biffdanielson2820]

Because the Avs organization was classy and honored his legacy as a player. He 100% deserved it.

[@blueshirtshockey93]

One of the happiest days of my life when Ray finally won we were in Boston for U2 concert. Boston cheered for him as if he was still playing for them it was an incredible experience. My now x husband went to the U2 second night and i went to the local bar alone the boston fans were very friendly i ended up hanging with them and watching the game . Then of course They win the cup and the streets were packed with all concert goers and fans spilling out of all the bars It was such a grt night. Boston fans were unbelievable to me We were all cheering for him. Even the edge wore a Ray Borque Boston jersey. It was electric! Great night!

[@thenatureboy1837]

I remember when he gave up 7 and took 77 when they retired Espo's number

[@stevehunt9051]

The 2nd best defenseman ever (only Bobby Orr was better). Happy Ray finally got his Cup in the end

[@martinandersson4087]

Lidström exists

[@tiagomaia1365]

Lidstrom was better, but Bourque was great too.

[@pacha777]

Orr, Lidstrom, Bourque, Harvey... And Makar is coming!

[@dsc4178]

Brad Park, Borje Salming....

[@Zamppa86]

@@martinandersson4087 Lidstrom is overrated. He was lucky enough to enjoy that Detroit 'superteam' pretty much through his whole career. Orr was better, Bourque was better, Coffey was better. I would also say Denis Potvin was better and probably Harvey aswell.

[@neeltheother2342]

I remember watching you old version of this biography quite recently, and was left unsatisfied. Your storytelling and detail you put into videos has increased so much over the years, which is why this needed a redo.

[@BostonFreakFlag]

Psyched you put up this vid ! SO many memories went through my head as you went down his seasons and notes . Awesome work and thank you for that bud

[@maxpowr90]

After 22 beers, Ray Bourque!

[@Mike-ge7pe]

I love these career videos. Excited to see you revisiting some of the players from the early days of the channel

[@mgourley1234]

Just being a hockey fan, seeing Bourque raise that Cup was tremendous. Probably shed a tear too.

[@Seegster77]

I was with my buddies when he lifted the cup.. I had to leave the room cause I was crying like baby.

[@peterb5235]

Love it! Thanks man

[@J_Aaron_L]

Let's do it baby! Love the og and I'm sure I'll love this one. Keep em coming!

[@LSA30]

Awesome video, and I’m excited for the Summer of THG Remakes!

[@robostyle9773]

Thanks for this. Ray carried that team on his shoulders for decades. And did it well and with humility

[@russellmingus2590]

As a kid in the 80s I didn't have a way of watching hockey. But I had cards. Looking through them at the stats on the back, I saw hey this guy is really good. Then I saw he was a Dman. He was my favorite player from that moment on, and Boston my team because of him, having never seen him play.

[@gordonirvine6134]

I cried tears of joy when Joe Sakic showed the ultimate sign of respect and handed Ray the Stanley Cup. There was never a player more deserving to win a Stanley Cup than Ray Bourque.

[@HouseHippoWrangler]

Good thing Shannon films his videos waist up. Otherwise this would be flagged for sure. Surprised he didn't take out one of the board stand legs swinging back and forth.

[@violentmeadow]

Bourque was the only reason to watch the All-star skills competition. I was lucky enough to see him play with O'reilly and Middleton and remember him pulling his original the #7 Jersey off to give it to Esposito.

[@CraigsmokesonFridays]

I was fortunate enough to play against Rays son in the 90s. He coached the 1990 year old Top Gun team. I was on the Providence Jr. Capitals. We played at the RI Sports Center off Rte 146. I’ll never forget that hand shake line. He told me good game 🥲 I was a pig in shit.

[@camero2596]

As a redwings fan, 2000-01was the only year I rooted for Colorado because I wanted him to win a cup! Glad he did!

[@hijackjoe]

I remember all the hype when he won in Colorado but never really understood it. Now I do.

[@user-iz3gv5vo6b]

While an argument can be made for Bourque or Lidstrom, IMHO the best defenseman of all time is Bobby Orr. Orr and Gretzky are the two players who dominated and changed the game the most. If Orr didn't have such a terrible knee injury, there would be no argument about the best d-man of all time. After coming in 3rd in Norris voting in his Rookie season, Bobby Orr won 8 straight Norris Trophies before his knee problems caught up with him. Eight STRAIGHT Norris awards. Lidstrom won 7 in 20 seasons, and Bourque 5 in 21 seasons.

[@varmastiko2908]

Typically there isn't much of an argument as most hockey fans readily admit Orr was the best by far.

[@TylerMorganShow]

Great content.

[@Zamppa86]

That '96 All Star game was like fairytale! I think it was played in Boston, a low scoring game, tied at 4-4 a few minutes before the end of regulation...Bourque scores the 5-4 winner behind Felix Potvin!

[@Peksisarvinen]

I think it's great you're remaking some of the older videos. You've improved so much over the years that, like you pretty much said as well, the older videos don't really do these players justice. Hope to see a Selänne video soon.

[@melanisticmandalorian8909]

Ray Bourque, Avs legend.

[@jeffa.7618]

Got the number retired and everything.

[@oldhab7890]

It was a classy move by the Bruins (when can a Canadiens fan say that) to get him on a Cup contender. It would be tragic if his greatness was diminished in the eyes of some by never having won a Cup.

[@lenkennedy9214]

A modern defensenen would need do put up about 80 points a year for 20 seasons to break his points record. Probably not happening unless Makar can stop getting injured.

[@varmastiko2908]

Makar began late so it's unlikely he'll ever play 20 seasons.

[@filrut]

Boston's been blessed when it comes to defencemen: Eddie Shore, Bobby Orr, Brad Park, Ray Bourque, Zedeno Chara.

[@skankhunt9896]

He was very close to what Lidström was imo. they were pretty much the same kind of defenceman but Bourque might've been somewhat more physical, also he shoot more. But they were both famous for their accurate shot (Bourque more so since his winnings at the allstar game), but "Lidas" had a very accurate shot by himself´, he could hit a post from onetimer at blueline, no problem... Very underrated at that regard... remember that he had to find Holmstroms stick when he screened the goalie in a PP. They're both 1-2 i can't really decide, and i haven't seen Orr, but i've seen enough that i know that they're all top 3, with robertson, harvey etc finalling out the top 5.

[@ScarecrOmega]

So glad to see an updated career video for Ray, the first one was pretty basic in board stats.

[@erickisel8668]

Amazing how productive he was at the end of his career. He could have played another three seasons…

[@bartsanders1553]

He and Lidstrom could have made it to 50 if they were lucky enough to stay healthy -and wanted to.

[@artshoey]

Wow! What an amazing career!

[@skankhunt9896]

Love the love and redo of Bourque(one of my fave players and also fave D with Nick Lidström), but I also rewatched the Peter Forsberg career-video and it felt a bit rushed... I know its my take, but look it over... I think (maybe cause i'm a swede) you can do it better...

[@swells2040]

I know he became a legend with Boston, but I’ve been an Avs fan since I was a little kid. My dad’s favorite Avs player from this era is Borque, so he’s always had a Borque jersey on when we go to games. So I’ll always think of Borque as an Av more than a Bruin

[@Hockeynut73]

I didnt see your previous video but the only thing missing is the retirement of the # 7 jersey to Phil Esposito not sure what year that was . Thanks Shannon

[@scotsaul]

As a Habs fan, I absolutely loved Bourque.

[@Rychster]

Impressive handwriting THG! 😂

[@gordonmacdowell8117]

Like all the other Cup winning trends, after the "win it for Bourque run", other teams were looking around for a feel good player (veterans without Cups) to add to their roster for a playoff run to capture some of that magic in a bottle. It generally didn't work that way for other teams, even when the media tried to add that spin.

[@joeb2151]

It was electric being in the building for Game7 when the Avs won and Sakic handed Bourque the Cup. My seats were 2nd to last row, but center ice, so all presentations were to my side of the ice. It was awesome. And they beat the Devils which was even better. I sat in the stands for as long as they'd let me so the idiots could go run around and start fires in Denver. By the time I got to my car, no traffic. And as I headed north, all exits blocked, they wouldn't let anybody else into the area. Then I found out my girlfriend was only dating me for Avs tickets as she broke up with me after the game. So that was nice. But happy for Ray.

[@TheAcgtrs]

My first favorite athlete. 77 for life

[@larslan1975]

I think every fan from every team was rooting for Ray to win the cup that year!

[@tombraider2500]

Arguably among the top hockey players of all time.

[@murraydunford3776]

I have always been a Leaf fan but I have to agree that Ray Bourque was the best defenseman I ever saw play, too.

[@yogibearstie]

Bourque is a great example of being skinny as a rookie and a block of a man in later pictures. Man strength.

[@LivinLifeLifeless]

As a Red Wing-fan I tend to lean Lidström as the best defenseman I ever saw, but Bourque sure makes it a tough argument. I'd say they're insanely closely matched and I can't fault anyone going for Bourque either.

[@TheScotian82]

Good Lord. What a consistently outrageous stat line. That has to be the best career by a defenseman.

[@tommy7977]

Ray brought the cup to city hall, I was there, and the parades just kept on flowing.

[@cbjacketfan1815]

You should do a prospect video on Gavin Brindley

[@futuresequence.]

His shots record always amazed me. From a defenseman? Insane.

[@BondJamesBond]

I was there. Two moves ago!

[@StretchNutsSean]

Best Ray Bourque memory is Lemieux turning him inside out

[@TheBoyer19]

Could you do videos about teams who won gold in the Olympics

[@Whisky_4_1]

greatest defenseman ever, period

[@ll7868]

Ray is my #3 Top Defenceman of All Time after the other #7 turned #77 Paul Coffey, yeah, his numbers went down later when injuries started becoming a regular thing and all the mvoing around wasn't helping, playing in LA was kinda sad to see, he seemed lost on that squad, but he was still one of the best in his prime, and Larry Robinson, he was the only reason I was a New Jersey Devils fan when they won the Cup in 99/2000. I picked Dallas to repeat that year because I figured if I picked Dallas then the Devils would win and it worked.

[@redred222]

That aves team had him foote and blake as there top three d men insane along with all the fact they had three lines that would be first lines on any other team

[@jjhrkel]

Is Francois Beauchemin worthy of a THG Career Video?

[@janellemaynait]

Did you already have a career video of him?

[@LivinLifeLifeless]

So how about a career video of PJ Axelsson?

[@kleidenwaht]

Bourque is a legend fir sure but for my money the best defenseman was Denis Potvin who played for the Islanders.

[@jamesnunn5452]

You didn’t mention when the Bruins retired Esposito number 7, what he did.

[@NJDevilsWagon]

officially requesting a Bernie Geoffrion career video!!

[@Loppu99]

You should redo, Lemieux, Selänne and others too. The old ones are a bit bad

[@cbjacketfan1815]

Could you do a Rick Nash career video

[@LSA30]

I WILL say, your Bruins bias shows a bit because with other career videos where they only play 2-3 seasons elsewhere you add tiny magnets. You really wanted to put the giant B, didn’t ya?😂

[@jeffa.7618]

I like this good humored chirp 😅 You would think the Avs retiring his number would warrant some tiny magnets in this career vid, eh? 🤫

[@purgedome2386]

Hehe.. 1979 the year habs got Mats (Naslund) Even as a habs fan.. I loved Raymond.. He didn't need a cup (or more awards) to make it in the HOF but I wanted him to win the cup with the AVS.. him and (Mike)Keene.. and I guess also Roy(I was a lil peed at Roy cause I was Keene fan more.. and he got traded with him.. lol)

[@draheim90]

I didn’t see a lot of Bourque given I was born in 1990 and a Red Wing fan (so we didn’t play Boston very often). I’m biased to think of Lidström as the best defensemen ever but to Bourque’s credit he does have a better +/- than Lidström, including a better +/- per game played (.326 vs. .288), though it’s hard to directly compare given the league was a bit more open for more of Bourque’s career than for Lidström’s.

[@robcasaccia4723]

how many more points would bourque have if he played with the guys coffee played with on Edmonton, Detroit and Pittsburgh. Scary to think about that.

[@v4v819]

Hall of Fame career and one of the best Bruins of all time... But let's face it he jumped on the cup van wagon with the AV's and they lost the first year with him and it took 9 hall of famers to get them and the old man the cup! I'm not saying he's not deserving for his career but we all know he was carried to the cup by one of the greatest team's of all time. And who can say otherwise...

[@thomasibach234]

Bourque definitely better than lids. Would’ve won every Norris had his prime been in 2000’s instead of the 80’s.

[@Hexinvir]

Bourque is certainly top 3 for me in terms of greatest defenseman ever to play, but i'd put Lidstrom ahead of him. I feel that Lidstrom was just more defensively solid, and was a major reason that he won 4 cups and 7 norris trophies with the red wings.

[@MySundin13]

The ONLY time I felt good for a Bruin....is when Ray finally got a cup. Respect. Excellent player with a high I.Q. for the game.

[@saltywingsandavsfan]

I like the idea of revamped career vids.

[@futuresequence.]

Are we leaving Orr out of the equation or is it a hard "player I've seen"?

[@InsignificantNick]

He should've had more Norris trophies. Like, how did he lose to Langway in 1983 and 1984?

[@nhlvan]

Top 3 defenceman of all time

[@BoyNamedSue4]

Unless your team was actively playing against them. I think everyone was cheering for the Avs that last year.

[@mikepoint4717]

I feel the entire nhl was cheering for Bourque when he hoisted Lord Stanley. Just a thought , what did Ray bouque earn in his rookie season as a 8th rd pick compared to todays salary. Like you mentioned what a steal for a 8 th round pick . Cheers 🇨🇦

[@The_Omegaman]

8th pick. Not round

[@mikepoint4717]

@@The_Omegaman thanks for correcting that . My bad

[@jeremyhewitt2637]

Those are the elegant years of nhl. Where they had so much class and dignity..

[@pacha777]

yeap those who are old enough know it

[@matthelmer2024]

How about Rick Kehoe??

[@lukewoodworth2101]

Top 5 dman alltime?

[@dsc4178]

Leafs need a #1 defenceman who can play like Bourque did.

[@marknilsson3342]

Ray Whitney

[@believingintheblood8540]

Slacker D, you mean like Karrelson on the sharks??