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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Sports Desk • Hockey

Jean Béliveau

Jean Béliveau was a Canadian professional ice hockey centre best known for his long career with the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Jean Béliveau was a legendary Canadian hockey centre who played his entire NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens. He won 10 Stanley Cups as a player and is remembered as one of the game's greatest leaders.

What it is

Jean Béliveau was born in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, in 1931 and played centre for the Montreal Canadiens from 1953 to 1971. Known as 'Gentleman Jean,' he was admired for his skill and sportsmanship.

Key details

Béliveau scored 507 goals and 1,219 points in 1,125 regular-season games, plus 176 points in 162 playoff games. He won 10 Stanley Cups as a player, the Hart Trophy twice, the Art Ross Trophy once, and the inaugural Conn Smythe Trophy in 1965. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972.

Why it matters

After retiring, Béliveau served in senior executive roles with the Canadiens and became a prominent hockey ambassador. He received the Order of Canada and remains a major figure in Canadian hockey history, especially in Quebec and Montreal.

In short

  • Played entire NHL career with Montreal Canadiens (1953–1971).
  • Won 10 Stanley Cups as a player.
  • Scored 507 goals and 1,219 points.
  • Inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972.
Canadian angle

Béliveau is a major figure in Canadian hockey history, especially in Quebec and Montreal, and he received honours including the Order of Canada and recognition from Hockey Canada.[6][14]

Quick questions

Who was Jean Béliveau?
He was a Canadian NHL centre who spent his entire playing career with the Montreal Canadiens and became one of hockey’s most celebrated players.
How many Stanley Cups did Jean Béliveau win?
He won 10 Stanley Cups as a player, and his name appeared on seven more as a Canadiens executive.
What were Jean Béliveau’s career NHL stats?
He finished with 507 goals and 1,219 points in 1,125 regular-season games, plus 176 playoff points in 162 games.

Sources

  1. NHL — https://www.nhl.com/player/jean-beliveau-8445408
    Supports: Career span, Stanley Cups as player and executive, and overall significance.
  2. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/jean-beliveau
    Supports: Career statistics and Canadian historical context.
  3. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jean-Beliveau
    Supports: Birth, death, nationality, position, team, and championship record.
  4. Hockey Canada — https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/news/jean-beliveau-passes-at-age-83
    Supports: Death, honorary captain role, and Canadian recognition.
  5. NHL — https://www.nhl.com/news/jean-beliveau-100-greatest-nhl-players-284179630
    Supports: Awards, Hall of Fame induction, and Cup totals.
  6. Concordia University — https://www.concordia.ca/content/shared/en/profiles/offices/advancement/notable-concordians/jean-beliveau.html
    Supports: Post-playing executive career and honours.