Full Breakdown
Mario Lemieux Topped CHL’s Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years
5/15/2026, 5:19:07 AM
Background & Context
The CHL, made up of the WHL, OHL and QMJHL, marked its 50th anniversary season. To commemorate the milestone, the league assembled a media panel and added a fan-vote component to rank the most influential players who competed in the CHL since 1975-76.
Announcement of the All-Time Top 50 List
The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) released its “Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years” list during its 50th-anniversary celebrations. More than 40 media members submitted ballots, and a weighted formula that blended media and fan votes produced the final order. Former Laval Voisins forward Mario Lemieux was placed at No. 1, followed by Sidney Crosby, Wayne Gretzky, Connor McDavid and Mike Bossy.
Lemieux’s Junior-Hockey Record (1981-84)
Drafted first overall by the Laval Voisins in 1981, Lemieux logged 96 points as a rookie and 184 points the next season. His 1983-84 campaign set CHL single-season marks with 133 goals, 282 points, 149 assists, a 61-game point streak, 21 hat tricks and five games with eight or more points. In the 1984 QMJHL playoffs he added 52 points in 14 games, leading Laval to the league championship and a Memorial Cup berth.
Timeline
- 1981: Lemieux selected first overall by the Laval Voisins (QMJHL).
- 1983-84: Sets CHL single-season records (133 G, 282 P).
- 1984: Leads Laval to QMJHL championship and Memorial Cup appearance.
- Announcement: CHL unveils Top 50 list, naming Lemieux No. 1.
Official Statements & Responses
CHL President Dan MacKenzie said Lemieux’s “dominance with the Laval Voisins remains one of the defining achievements in CHL history.” Lemieux, in a personal statement, thanked the league and credited his junior experience for preparing him for an NHL career.
Data Highlights
- 133 G, 282 P, 149 A in 70 games (1983-84) – CHL records.
- 61-game point streak; 21 hat tricks; five 8-point games.
- 562 P (247 G, 315 A) in 200 regular-season games with Laval.
- Post-CHL honors include two Stanley Cups, three Hart Trophies, three Conn Smythe Trophies, six Art Ross Trophies and Hockey Hall of Fame induction.
Why It Matters
The ranking showcases the CHL’s role as the premier development pathway for elite hockey talent. By highlighting Lemieux’s record-setting junior performance and his subsequent professional success, the league reinforces its claim as “the best development league in the world” and underscores the lasting impact of its clubs on both sport and community.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'm honoured to be chosen among this group of great players. My time at Laval and in the QMJHL played a big role in preparing me for an NHL career,” — Mario Lemieux, former Laval Voisins forward
- “We all appreciate what the CHL has meant to Canadian hockey and the development of our players through the years.” — Mario Lemieux (statement)
- “Mario Lemieux’s dominance with the Laval Voisins remains one of the defining achievements in CHL history,” — Dan MacKenzie, President of the CHL
