JD_logo3.png

A Look at Jari Kurri

Hockey HOF | A Look at Jari Kurri
Page Blog Posts

Our Book is Out!
Who was the MOST DOMINANT team in Pro Football History? We have the answer in the latest Pigskin Dispatch book

The World's Greatest Pro Gridiron Team
Email:  pigskindispatch@gmail.com Phone/Text:  814-636-0745
Please note, that we include affiliate links to support the maintenance and development of this site and to help promote our guests and fellow sports historians. Your support is appreciated! _________________________
Please note, we may include affiliate links within this post to support the maintenance and development of this site.

Pigskin Dispatch
Your Portal to Positive Football History. We have an extensive library of posts and podcasts on the history of North American Football. From the innovators, teams, and coaches to legendary players, we cover them all with new items daily!

Hockey Hall of Fame

Welcome, hockey fans, to a journey through the hallowed halls of hockey history! We're embarking on a series dedicated to the elite few – the immortals enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

From the pioneers who carved their names on the frozen canvas to the modern-day marvels redefining the sport, the Hall of Fame boasts a pantheon of legends. These are the players whose brilliance, dedication, and impact on the game have earned them a place among hockey's royalty. Welcome to the section that celebrates the house where the North American Ice Hockey Legends reside in memorium for future generations to respect what they have done for the game.

Here, you will find the players in the Hall and examine the top players at each jersey number in our ongoing pursuit to preserve the player, uniform, and team history.


A Look at Jari Kurri's Hall of Fame Career

Jari Kurri's name is forever linked to the Edmonton Oilers dynasty of the 1980s. However, simply calling him Wayne Gretzky's sidekick would be a disservice to his exceptional talent and impressive hockey career. Kurri, the "Finnish Flash," carved his path to greatness, becoming a vital cog in the Oilers' machine and earning his rightful place in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Kurri's journey began in Finland, where he honed his skills and quickly rose through the ranks. Drafted by the Oilers in 1980, he joined a team brimming with young talent, including the already legendary Wayne Gretzky. Despite the presence of "The Great One," Kurri wasn't overshadowed. He possessed a lethal combination of speed, a powerful shot, and exceptional hockey IQ. His ability to anticipate Gretzky's passes made them a nearly unstoppable force on the ice.

Their chemistry blossomed during the Oilers' dominant run in the 1980s. Kurri consistently notched over 70 points a season, often finishing second in league scoring behind Gretzky. He wasn't just a scorer, though. Kurri was a well-rounded player, contributing defensively and playing a key role on the power play. Together, Gretzky and Kurri rewrote the NHL record books, forming one of the most prolific duos in hockey history.

Kurri's success wasn't limited to the Oilers. He thrived internationally, leading Finland to their first-ever World Championship gold medal in 1995. He also captained his home country at the 1998 Winter Olympics, showcasing his leadership qualities on the world stage.

Following Gretzky's departure from Edmonton, Kurri continued to be a productive player, even leading the Oilers in scoring in the early 1990s. He eventually moved on to play in Europe before retiring in 2001.

Kurri's legacy transcends statistics and championships. He is an inspiration to young Finnish players, paving the way for a generation of talent from his home country. His calm demeanor and dedication to the game earned him respect from teammates, opponents, and fans alike.

Born May 18, 1960, in Helsinki, Finland, was Hockey Hall of Fame Right Wing Jari Kurri. This skating legend was on five Stanley Cup Champion teams. Kurri was a five-time NHL All-Star, the 1985 Byng winner, and appeared on the NHL 100th anniversary team. Kurry skated for the Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, and Colorado Avalanche during his brilliant 17-year NHL career.

2024-05-18

May 18 Numbers

.Joyce_072.jpg

Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 3 - 7 - 16 May 18, 1897 - Early MLB star of the New York Giants, Bill Joyce established a record of 4 triples in 1 ...

  • The use of a "banner" counts as 10 words!

 

2024-05-17

May 17 Numbers

.Tris_Speaker.jpg

Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 44 - 36 May 17, 1925 - Cleveland Indians centerfielder Tris Speaker reached his 3,000th hit in his MLB career. In 1...

  • The use of a "banner" counts as 10 words!

 

2024-05-16

May 16 Numbers

.Bob_Meusel,_Eddie_Leonard,_Emil_Meusel_Nvasouvenir192307nati_0063.jpg

Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 5 - 9 - 22 May 16, 1927 - New York Yankee outfielder, Bob Meusel, wearing Number 5 stole 2nd base, 3rd base and&nbs...

  • The use of a "banner" counts as 10 words!

 

2024-05-15

May 15 Numbers

.baseball_BigTrain.jpg

Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. May 15, 1912 - Detroit Tigers star slugger Ty Cobb,  let's an obnoxious fan get to him and the player leaped the rail...

  • The use of a "banner" counts as 10 words!

 

2024-05-14

May 14 Numbers

.Mickey_Mantle_1951.jpg

Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 3 - 37 - 7 May 14, 1913 - Washington Senator pitcher Walter Johnson, had his amazing MLB record of scoreless innings str...

  • The use of a "banner" counts as 10 words!

 

2024-05-13

May 13 Numbers

.640px-Evolution_of_a_pitcher_LCCN2008677254.jpg

Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 22 - 21  May 13, 1942 - Who says pitchers can't hit? Boston Braves Pitcher, Number 22, Jim Tobin smacked 3 ball...

  • The use of a "banner" counts as 10 words!

 

Remember Sports History Daily
You are only seconds away from receiving the Pigpen's Newsletter everyday filled with new items

[/br]SUBSCRIBE BY CLICKING  

Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer
We invite you to take a ride through 1920's sports history in the audio drama that takes the listener through the sounds and legendary events of the era through the eyes of a young newspaper journalist. You will feel like you were there! Brought to you by Number 80 Productions and Pigskin Dispatch
Please note, that we include affiliate links to support the maintenance and development of this site and to help promote our guests and fellow sports historians. Your support is appreciated! _________________________

Bears versus Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry
Author Joe Ziemba the master historian of football in Chicago has released another beauty. It is titled Bears versus Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry. _________________________

Hut! Hut! Hike! Book
Historian Timothy P. Brown has released another excellent book to help fill our football minds with knowledge. His latest is called Hut! Hut! Hike!: A History of Football Terminology.

[/br]more information _________________________

Posts on "Search"

GROUPS: PUBLICSITEGROUP