Hockey legend Bobby Orr Turns 60

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Number four. The man whom Don Cherry says is the greatest hockey player to ever lace up a pair of skates. Of course, I never got to see Orr play. He was before my time. But many didn't get the chance either, as wonky knees stole years away from his career, and Orr was forced into retirement at the unbelievably young age of 31.

Bobby Orr, the kid from Parry Sound, turned 60 last week. For those that were lucky enough to watch him play, it seems like only yesterday. Tonight on TV Ontario's The Agenda with Steve Paikin we are joined by Globe and Mail sports columnist Stephen Brunt to talk about the man, and the myth, of the great Bobby Orr.

As a self-proclaimed hockey nut, and a religious watcher of Hockey Night In Canada, I've always had a good idea of who Bobby Orr is and what he did for the game of hockey. In all honesty though, I never knew how good he really was on the ice. His statistics blew me away.

In only 657 career NHL games, Orr racked up an incredible 915 points (270 goals, 645 assists). Don't forget, Orr was a defenceman. He revolutionized the position, and was one of the few who changed the game as we know it. Orr also contributed when it mattered most, registering 92 points in 74 career playoff games, and winning two Stanley Cups.

Orr's records speak for themselves. He was the first defenceman to score 20 goals in a season, and the first player, at any position, to ever win three straight MVP awards.

When New York Rangers defenceman Brian Leetch tallied 102 points in the 1991/1992 NHL season, I remember being blown away by his scoring prowess from the defence position. Well, Leetch's 102 points had nothing on Orr. From 1969 to 1975, Orr had seasons of 120, 139, 117, 101, 122, and 135 points respectively. Simply phenomenal numbers. Unfortunately, after his 135-point 1974/1975 season, Orr's injured knees limited him to only 36 more games in the league. He was forced to walk away from the game in his prime.

Orr was definitely one of the greatest hockey players to ever play the game, and I hope you'll tune in, or download the interview podcast, to learn more about his life and what he means to Canadian culture from Stephen Brunt, author of "Searching For Bobby Orr."

Were you lucky enough to see #4 play? What are your favourite Bobby Orr memories? Was he, in your opinion, the greatest ever? I'd love to read your thoughts.

And before I forget, happy belated birthday Bobby Orr.