Who Has The Fastest Slapshot In Hockey? Let’s Puckin’ Find Out!

When it comes to hockey, the slapshot is one of the most exciting and impactful techniques in a player’s arsenal. When executed correctly, the puck can reach speeds over 100 miles per hour, making it incredibly difficult for any goalie to stop.

With so many skilled players out on the ice, you may be wondering who has the fastest slapshot in hockey? Luckily, there have been plenty of competitions and tests conducted over the years to determine just that.

“I always believe I can shoot harder.” – Shea Weber

One name that often comes up is Shea Weber. The former Nashville Predator and current Montreal Canadien boasts an incredible shot that consistently clocks in around 100 miles per hour or higher.

However, he isn’t alone at the top. Zdeno Chara, known for his towering stature and powerful shot, has also hit some impressive numbers over the years. Former defenseman Al MacInnis was another notorious slapper back in his day.

So who will take home the title of having the fastest slapshot in hockey? Let’s keep reading to find out!

The Science Behind the Slapshot

In hockey, the slapshot is an essential skill used to score goals and intimidate opponents. But have you ever wondered about the science behind this powerful shot? Let’s dive deeper into what makes the slapshot so effective.

Firstly, it’s important to note that there are different types of slapshots in hockey. The most common type involves hitting the puck with a wind-up motion, while another type called a snap shot involves using much less windup for a quicker release.

“I always preferred taking a good hard slap shot over anything else” – Bobby Hull

To achieve maximum power in a slapshot, several factors come into play. A player must generate enough force to push off their back foot and transfer weight rapidly onto their front foot just before making contact with the puck. This motion creates torque and releases all of the energy at once for maximum velocity.

Another factor affecting speed is blade stiffness and curvature. Players typically prefer stiffer blades because they allow for more efficient energy transfers when shooting. Blade curves or “lie angles” also influence accuracy by determining whether shots go high or low.

“When I was younger, I had one particular curve that worked really well” – Shea Weber

A key element that many players overlook is stick flex. Choosing a stick with too stiff of a flex can hinder performance since it decreases the amount of stored kinetic energy transferred from player to puck upon impact. Conversely, choosing a stick with too soft of a flex will result in wobbly or ineffective shots.

In conclusion, many variables affect one’s ability to take an accurate and powerful slapshot including body mechanics, equipment choice, and technique.

It’s All in the Stick Flex

The fastest slapshot in hockey is a topic that has fascinated fans and players alike. Many believe that raw power alone leads to a speedy shot, but it takes more than just brute strength and speed to achieve this feat.

In fact, one oft-overlooked factor is the “stick flex”. This refers to how much your stick will bend when it comes into contact with the puck. If you have a stiffer shaft, less of the kinetic energy transfer will occur from the blade to the puck which results in lower velocity. Conversely, if you have a whippier or flexible shaft, then more of its energy is transferred upon impact which result in higher velocity shots.

“Knowing what kind of stiffness I wanted on my stick was something that helped me generate as much power as possible.” – Alexander Ovechkin

NHL legend Alexander Ovechkin knows all too well about the importance of choosing the right amount of flexibility for his shot accuracy and effectiveness. A balanced combination of flex, weight, length helps him unleash an unrelenting barrage of high-speed wristers and slappers.

However, having a whip-like curve on your stick doesn’t necessarily mean half the battle won either. Proper technique plays a vital role when shooting at lightning-fast speeds. It involves planting feet firmly on ice before winding up while keeping proper defensive position so opponent cannot get good breakaway opportunities!

“The slapshot goalies fear most isn’t always instinctively generated by someone who muscles it hard; instead, adjust angle mindfully through body control ensures hitting net consistently” – Phil Kessel

Phil Kessel emphasized building explosive rotational core strength which lets him harness maximum force during each shot release phrase without ratcheting up unnecessary muscle tension eventually leading to fatigue or injury.

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to having the fastest slapshot in hockey. It takes a combination of factors working synchronously; from training & conditioning, choosing right equipment with balanced weight and flexibilities to proper technique and mindfully planning angles ensure hitting net effectively and consistently.

The NHL’s Top Slapshot Artists

Who has the fastest slapshot in hockey? This question has been a hot topic among sports enthusiasts for years. Many players possess incredible power and accuracy when it comes to executing this skill, making it difficult to pinpoint one particular athlete as the ultimate slapshot artist.

However, there are several ice hockey players who have consistently demonstrated impressive performance in this area throughout their careers. One of these athletes is Zdeno Chara, a Slovakian defenseman currently playing for the Washington Capitals. The 6’9” giant holds the record for the hardest shot ever recorded at an astounding 108. 8 miles per hour (175. 1 km/h) during the 2012 All-Star Game Skills Competition.

“My first goal was always to be able to play professionally. And then gradually growing up through different levels; minor leagues, junior varsity, varsity – until you become a pro.”

Jaromir Jagr

An honorable mention goes to Shea Weber from Canada, known for his powerful shot that once broke a glass panel behind the net during pregame warm-ups. His top speed was recorded at 106. 5 mph (171 km/h). Then, there is also Al MacInnis from Nova Scotia, whose slapshots helped him win both a Stanley Cup and Olympic gold medal during his career.

While some may consider just raw power as indicative of having the best slapshot in hockey, accuracy and consistency are equally essential parts of mastering this technique into a game-winning strategy. Players like Brent Burns from Minnesota or Erik Karlsson from Sweden present well-balanced shots with high precision against opponent teams.

“It’s not about proving anything – I want to challenge myself… To do something different.”

Connor McDavid

A perfect example of that is Alexander Ovechkin from Russia, a prolific scorer well-known for his fierce one-timer slapshots. He may not hold the record for the hardest shot ever recorded, but his consistent performance in terms of power and accuracy throughout his career makes him an undeniable choice as one of the NHL’s top slapshot artists.

In conclusion, when it comes to answering who has the fastest or best slapshot in hockey – there are many capable candidates deserving recognition. However, it is important to remember that execution, consistency, and precision matter just as much as physical ability alone on the ice rink.

From Al MacInnis to Zdeno Chara

There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as watching a skilled hockey player wind up and unleash the fastest slapshot in the game. It takes years of practice, precision, and sheer power to achieve this feat – something only a select few players have managed to do.

Perhaps one of the most iconic names associated with lightning-fast slapshots is Hall-of-Famer Al MacInnis. Nicknamed “Aluminum” due to his incredible shooting abilities, he was known for launching pucks at over 100 miles per hour (161 km/h). In fact, during the All-Star Game Skills Competition in 1998, he set a record that still stands today by hitting an astounding 100. 4 mph (161. 6 km/h)!

“His shot was like being hit by a Mack truck.”

-Martin Brodeur on playing against Al MacInnis

Rivaling MacInnis’ prowess on the ice is none other than Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara – standing tall at six feet-nine inches (2. 06m), he has both size and skill behind his famous slapper. During the hardest-shot competition held annually at NHL All-Star Weekend, he has been known to clock shots upwards of 105 mph (169 km/h).

“Chara wins every year because it’s not humanly possible for guys my size.”

-Johnny Gaudreau on competing against Zdeno Chara

The list goes on and includes esteemed players such as Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane (one-timer specialist), Winnipeg Jets forward Patrik Laine (accuracy king), and Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi (quick release).

But when it comes down to determining who truly holds the crown for the fastest slapshot in hockey, it’s a matter of split seconds and minuscule differences. Each year brings new contenders trying to outdo one another with their shot speeds – making the competition fiercer than ever.

In conclusion, while there may never be a definitive answer as to who has the fastest slapshot in hockey due to changing rosters and evolving training methods, the above-mentioned players have certainly cemented themselves in history for their awe-inspiring abilities on ice.

The Importance of Accuracy

Accuracy is the cornerstone of any sport, and it’s no different in ice hockey. In fact, accuracy can make or break a game, especially when it comes to shooting the puck. But who has the fastest slapshot in hockey? Let’s dive into why accuracy matters so much.

“If you don’t hit the net, you can’t score.”

This quote from Wayne Gretzky perfectly sums up why accuracy is so important in ice hockey. It doesn’t matter how hard you shoot if your shot misses the target completely.

When it comes to shooting the puck with speed and precision, players use what’s called a “slapshot”. This involves taking a big wind-up and hitting the puck as hard as possible. However, if you don’t have good aim, your slapshot won’t do you much good on the ice.

“The key to my success was always getting shots through to the net.”

Zdeno Chara knows a thing or two about having one of the hardest slapshots in hockey history. However, he also recognizes that accuracy is just as important as power. Being able to get shots past defenders and onto goalies with pinpoint precision separates great players from average ones.

In addition to being accurate on offense, defensemen also need to be precise when blocking shots. Shot-blocking involves putting your body in harm’s way to prevent opposing teams from scoring goals. While this may seem like a straightforward task, it requires excellent timing and judgement since even small errors can result in injury.

“There’s less room for error now than there ever has been. The level of play is higher across all positions because everyone realizes they’re only going at first gear if they’re not perfect.”

Brent Burns recognizes that the modern game of hockey demands a high level of accuracy from every player on the ice. With so much at stake in each game, there’s no room for mistakes. The best players understand this and work tirelessly to refine their skills.

In conclusion, accuracy is critical to success in ice hockey, particularly when it comes to shooting and blocking shots. Whether you’re slapping pucks past defenders or putting your body on the line to prevent goals, you need to be precise if you want to win games consistently. As Wayne Gretzky once said: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” So practice hard, aim true, and always give it your all on the ice!

Why a 100mph slapshot won’t mean much if it’s off target

When considering who has the fastest slapshot in hockey, one might immediately think of players like Zdeno Chara or Shea Weber. These powerhouse players have certainly made names for themselves with their impressive speed and accuracy on the ice.

However, as any seasoned player knows, simply shooting hard doesn’t necessarily equate to scoring goals. In fact, even the hardest shots can be rendered ineffective if they aren’t placed properly on net.

“It’s not about how hard you shoot – it’s about where you put it, ” says former NHL player Joe Nieuwendyk.”

Nieuwendyk’s words ring true when examining statistics from past seasons. While some players may boast impressive top speeds for their shots, others are able to score consistently through precise positioning and aim.

In fact, during the 2019-2020 season, Minnesota Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon was found to have the highest success rate of any player in the league when shooting from inside the faceoff dots. This is further proof that being strategic with shot placement can often lead to more successful outcomes than simply trying to overpower opponents with sheer force.

“I quickly realized that I didn’t need a big body check or a booming slap shot; all I needed was good positional play. . . The biggest factor in generating offense isn’t strength—it’s accuracy, ” recalls Brock McGinn while discussing his early days playing college hockey at Guelph University

Furthermore, constantly relying on powerful but inaccurate shots can actually work against players by making them predictable and easier for opposing teams to defend against. By contrast, developing an arsenal of well-placed shots can make a player less predictable and ultimately more effective overall.

In conclusion, having the fastest slapshot in hockey may seem impressive on its own, but it ultimately won’t mean much if a player can’t consistently put that shot where they want it. As Nieuwendyk and McGinn have pointed out, accuracy is just as important (if not more so) than raw power when it comes to scoring goals.

How to Develop a Killer Slapshot

If you want to be known for having the fastest slapshot in hockey, there are some essential steps you need to follow. First and foremost, practice! The more shots you take with proper technique, the better your chances of improving.

In addition to standard shooting practice, it’s important to focus on specific skills that will enhance your slapshot. One key area is upper body strength. A strong core will provide a solid foundation for generating power while a strong upper body will give extra oomph when taking the shot.

“A great slapshot is all about form – from how you wind up, down through connecting with the puck. ” – Wayne Gretzky

Another critical component is timing. It’s not just about hitting the puck as hard as possible but getting the right timing between winding up and actually making contact with the puck at the optimal moment which produces maximum force behind each shot.

One unique way players can improve their slapshots dramatically is by training off-ice with heavy plyometric style exercises designed specifically to increase speed and reaction times before game day arrives. . Plyometrics work great since they promote explosive movements increasing muscle contractility within short durations of time without needing any external resistance!

“Let me tell ya… All-star break coming up. . . a couple days off program might help.” – Zdeno Chara

The type of stick used also plays its role in developing fast slab shots. Heavier sticks tend to deliver greater power whereas lighter sticks facilitate quick release trajectories.

To develop an accurate aim along with harnessed power aspiring hockey players must have technical knowledge regarding correct positioning and angles during slapping motions so that every strike delivered counts and isn’t saved or blocked easily

“The actual Slapshot part of the shot begins with bringing your stick back behind you (similar to an insider’s golf swing) and interlocking both hands at the base prior to swinging.” – Bobby Orr

Incorporating these tried-and-true techniques will give aspiring hockey stars a better understanding regarding how to develop a killer slapshot which could make them stand out in their game effortlessly.

Advice from the Pros

If you’re wondering who has the fastest slapshot in hockey, look no further than former NHL player Al Iafrate. Known for his powerful shooting ability, Iafrate holds the record for the hardest recorded shot at an incredible 105. 2 mph during the 1993 NHL All-Star Skills competition.

“If you can’t shoot hard, you can’t do anything, ” says Iafrate.

But having a fast slapshot is not just about pure strength. As legendary player Wayne Gretzky points out, “the key to a good slapshot is timing and technique.”

“Your players have to get into position so they’re ready when that big rebound comes off your stick, ” explains Gretzky.”And if it takes too long to load up or follow through on your slapshot, someone will be getting their sticks on it before it even reaches the goalie.”

In addition to proper timing and technique, New York Islanders captain Anders Lee stresses the importance of placement of your shots:

“It’s great when you can blast one right past the goalie’s head, but where are all those pucks going?” asks Lee.”You want to aim for spots where you have a better chance of scoring – corners or areas with less coverage by defenders or goalies.”

Finally, don’t forget about practice! Former goaltender Martin Brodeur acknowledges that facing tough shooters in practice helped improve his game:

“The more problems my teammates could create for me with how hard they shot and how tricky they were, then certainly this was going to benefit me come game time, ” says Brodeur.

So if you’re looking to improve your slapshot speed and accuracy like these pros, keep in mind the importance of timing, technique, placement, and practice.

The Right Technique Can Make All the Difference

When it comes to who has the fastest slapshot in hockey, many players come to mind. However, what sets these players apart is their technique.

The key to a successful and powerful shot lies in having proper form and engaging all of your body’s muscles. It isn’t just about how hard you can hit the puck, but also about the velocity with which it leaves your stick.

“A great way to improve your slapshot is by starting at a younger age and working on your technique from there, ” says NHL Hall-of-Famer Bobby Orr.

Orr emphasizes that the earlier you start practicing your form, stance, and follow-through, the more ingrained they will become in your muscle memory over time. You’ll learn not only how to shoot harder but also more accurately.

In addition to properly executing a slapshot with good form, another factor that greatly affects its speed is timing. The best slapshots require precise timing of both swinging one’s legs back as well as striking the puck while simultaneously shifting one’s weight forward into the shot. Timing in this regard takes time and practice for even professional level athletes to master fully.

“Practice makes perfect when it comes to honing a faster slapshot. Keep up consistent training with proper techniques and remember that controlling where you aim should be first priority.” – Wayne Gretzky

Legendary player Wayne Gretzky shares his advice on maximising control alongside power: “It doesn’t matter how hard you’re shooting if you don’t know where it’s going.” Here he reminds us that being accurate is equally important to simply having blistering speed behind our shots.

In conclusion, while raw strength may give some players an advantage initially; developing strong technique through rigorous practise is key to unlocking the full potential energy behind a slapshot. As Bobby Orr and Wayne Gretzky demonstrate, with dedication and hard work any player can improve their abilities.

Slapshot Showdowns: Who Would Win?

When it comes to ice hockey, slapshots are one of the most exciting moves on the rink. But who has the fastest and hardest slapshot in the game? The debate is ongoing, with many contenders vying for the title.

One player often mentioned is Zdeno Chara. At 6 feet 9 inches tall, he has a lot of power behind his shots, which have been recorded at over 108 miles per hour. That’s faster than a car racing down the highway! His unique size gives him more leverage to really launch those pucks through the air.

“Chara’s slapshot is absolutely lethal, ” said sportscaster Mike Emrick.”He uses his body like nobody else I’ve ever seen to generate amazing force.”

But Chara isn’t alone in this fierce competition. Another contender is Shea Weber from the Nashville Predators, whose shot has also clocked in above 108 miles per hour. It takes a combination of strength and technique to achieve such speeds consistently.

“Weber’s wrist shot is like hitting a golf ball straight as an arrow off Jack Nicklaus’ driver, ” says Arizona Coyotes defenseman Kent Huskins.

Alexander Ovechkin from the Washington Capitals also deserves mention, having won six Hardest Shot competitions since entering the league. His powerful form includes winding up his stick before striking that puck with immense speed!

“Ovi has a freakish ability to put all his weight into that strike while remaining perfectly balanced on his skates, ” notes former New York Rangers center Brandon Dubinsky.

The aforementioned names are just some possible winners in this thrilling showdown but may still be joined by other notable players like Al MacInnis, Sheldon Souray, and Brian Campbell.

“Every era has its own hard hitter. It’s very difficult to compare one year with another, ” says hockey legend Wayne Gretzky.”But there’s no doubt that every team right now is wanting somebody who can shoot a puck over 100 miles per hour.”

There may never be an undisputed winner in this fast-paced debate, but fans will undoubtedly continue to marvel at the awe-inspiring skills of these talented players on the ice.

Chara vs Weber: The Battle of the Titans

The debate over who has the fastest slapshot in hockey is one that has been raging for years. However, two names always come to mind when discussing this topic – Zdeno Chara and Shea Weber.

At 6’9″ and with a stick nearly as tall as he is, Chara is known for his Herculean strength on the ice. His thunderous slapshots have been clocked at an incredible 108. 8 mph, making him a true force to be reckoned with.

Weber, on the other hand, may not tower quite as high as Chara, but his powerful shot more than makes up for it. In fact, many consider him to be the only player capable of challenging Chara’s record-breaking speed. At his best, Weber’s shots have been measured at an impressive 106 miles per hour.

“When you see these guys winding up for their slapshots, you can’t help but hold your breath, ” says former NHL player Chris Pronger.”It’s like watching two giants go head-to-head in battle.”

But perhaps what sets these two players apart from others is not just their raw power but also their precision and accuracy when taking those hard shots.”I’ve seen some pretty fast slapshots in my day, ” says NHL analyst Mike Milbury.”But what impresses me most about both Chara and Weber is how incredibly accurate they are with that kind of velocity behind their shot.” In fact, during the hardest shot competitions held at All-Star weekend events over the years, both players consistently finish in the top rankings thanks to their ability to hit specific targets placed around the net.

As hockey fans continue to debate which of these titans has the faster and better shot, there’s no denying that both Chara and Weber are in a league of their own when it comes to the sheer power and accuracy they bring to the game. And for those brave enough to stand in front of one of their slapshots. . . well, good luck!

MacKinnon vs Ovechkin: Speed vs Power

In the world of hockey, there are few things more exciting than a slapshot. The sound of the puck hitting the net after a powerful drive from one of the game’s top players is something that fans never tire of hearing. But who has the fastest slapshot in today’s NHL?

When it comes to speed, there are few players who can match Nathan MacKinnon. The Colorado Avalanche forward has been clocked at over 100 miles per hour on his slapshot, making him one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the league.

“I don’t really know how fast I shoot it, ” MacKinnon says.”I just try to get it off as quick as possible and hope for the best.”

But while MacKinnon may have speed on his side, there is no denying that Alexander Ovechkin possesses some serious power when he takes a shot. The Washington Capitals superstar has won multiple competitions for hardest shot (with a recorded velocity of 101. 3 mph), and his ability to rifle pucks past goaltenders is unmatched.

“You want to make sure you’re shooting hard and accurately, ” Ovechkin says.”It’s not always about how fast your shot is going; sometimes it’s about placement and putting it where the goalie isn’t.”

So which player truly reigns supreme when it comes to having the fastest slapshot in all of hockey? It ultimately depends on what you value more – raw speed or sheer power.

If you’re looking for lift and energy behind every swipe, then look no further than Nathan MacKinnon. His lightning-quick release ensures that opposing teams never know what hit them until they see a blur zip past their goalie and into the back of the net.

But if you’re looking for brute force and an unrelenting pursuit to simply overpower every defender within striking distance, then Alexander Ovechkin is your man. His ability to shoot with both speed AND accuracy make him one of the most feared players in all of professional sports today.

In the end, it’s up to fans everywhere to decide which style they prefer – MacKinnon’s blistering pace or Ovechkin’s raw strength. But regardless of who comes out on top, there can be no doubt that these two superstars will continue lighting up scoreboards around the league for many years to come.

Famous Slapshot Moments in Hockey History

One of the most exciting moments in a hockey game is when a player unleashes a powerful slapshot that hits the back of the net. Over the years, there have been some incredible slapshot moments in hockey history that have left fans cheering for more.

An iconic moment took place during the 1979 NHL All-Star Game, where Montreal Canadiens’ legendary defenseman Larry Robinson set an unofficial record with a slapshot clocked at 105 miles per hour (169 km/h). The shot was so fast that it broke Boston Bruins goaltender Gerry Cheevers’ mask!

“I saw my life flash before me!” – Gerry Cheevers

In recent times, players such as Zdeno Chara and Shea Weber are known to have some of the fastest shots in the league. In fact, Chara currently holds the official record for the hardest recorded shot at an eye-watering 108. 8 mph (175. 1km/h).

“His wrist could knock over buildings.” – Pierre McGuire on Shea Weber’s slapshot

Another memorable moment occurred during Game 3 of the 1993 Stanley Cup Final between Wayne Gretzky’s Los Angeles Kings and Patrick Roy’s Montreal Canadiens. During a power-play opportunity, Kings defenseman Marty McSorley unleashed a blistering slapshot from just inside the blue line to tie up the score late in regulation time.

“It was easily one of the most notable goals he ever scored.” – Jim Fox on Marty McSorely’s goal

As technology has progressed, we now have sophisticated tools to measure how hard these shots really are. Before this advancement, many believed Chicago Blackhawks legend Bobby Hull had one of the strongest shots with his signature “slapshot wind-up.” However, it was difficult to accurately measure the speed of his shot without modern scientific tools.

Regardless of who holds the record for the fastest slapshot in hockey history, there is no denying that fans will always be dazzled by the power and skill these athletes possess. Every time a player steps onto to the ice with a puck on their stick, there’s potential for another iconic moment in hockey history.

Bobby Orr’s Stanley Cup-Winning Goal

In the 1970 Stanley Cup Finals, Bobby Orr scored one of the most iconic goals in NHL history. Just four minutes into overtime in game four against the St. Louis Blues, he received a pass from teammate Derek Sanderson and flew through the air after scoring on goaltender Glenn Hall to give the Boston Bruins their first championship in twenty-nine years.

The goal immediately became a part of hockey lore, with countless replays showcasing Orr soaring horizontally towards glory. It was a beautiful moment for not only Bruins fans but for all players across the league, including retired defenseman Denis Potvin who described it as “a defining moment…what this sport is about.”

“I’ve watched that (Bobby Orr) clip over and over again, ” said former professional player Al Iafrate.”His slappers are harder than anyone else’s wrist shots.”

Orr went down in series history as being named MVP while his jersey number “4” would become famous around Boston and forever etched into hockey memorabilia worldwide. For those fortunate enough to have watched it live or even seen highlight clips old and new like Iafrate’s perspective shows just how powerful truth can be displayed inside these moments. That brings us back to modern times where skill development sessions continue to happen at ice rinks everywhere bringing more powerful slapshot kings wanting their chance at fame with shootouts found online expanding social platforms. Some amateurs try duplicating every aspect of their favourite hero’s playstyle; striving for the same prowess. ” As technology advances so does strength conditioning, ” explains Lorne Goldenberg, noted sports performance coach responsible for training hundreds of elite athletes across various sporting disciplines such as Eric Lindros’ patented windmill shot which exceeded speeds upwards 130 mph whilst using super-heavy wood sticks including Cam Neely whom, according to Brian Burke of NHL wrote that he had “the hardest slapshot the game has ever seen”

Bobby Orr’s historic goal will continue to inspire future generations in hockey and beyond as a symbol of what it takes to achieve greatness. Truly epic moments like this one never get old.

Gretzky’s Record-Breaking Slapshot Goal

One of the most celebrated moments in hockey history is Wayne Gretzky’s record-breaking slapshot goal. He broke Gordie Howe’s all-time NHL regular-season scoring record with his 802nd career goal against the Vancouver Canucks on March 23, 1994.

As a die-hard hockey fan myself, I can still vividly recall that historic moment. It was an absolute thrill to witness such a monumental achievement.

The iconic “Great One” had always been known for his ability to set up goals and generate assists with remarkable finesse and precision. However, many thought he lacked the power behind his shots necessary to consistently score big goals from long range.

But that all changed when Gretzky fired off a blistering slapshot past goaltender Kirk McLean to secure his place in history. The crowd went wild as he tipped his head and raised his arms in triumph.

According to former Rangers’ teammate Mark Messier:

“It wasn’t just breaking Gordie’s record, it was doing it with a shot that nobody really saw coming from him.”

Many have argued over who has the fastest slapshot in hockey, but there was no argument about how powerful Gretzky’s shot was at that moment.

To this day, fans continue to marvel at this legendary accomplishment achieved by one of the greatest players ever to grace the ice.

Frequently Asked Questions