Mario Lemieux - 4 Magazine Covers

Mario Lemieux was my idol growing up. A true class act is Mario. The current owner of the penguins, a hockey god, a true business man. He is the man.

Some say he was the greatest player to ever play hockey. He was a much different player than seen before, a giant with gentle hands. He could pass, change speeds, and shoot. Mario's medical chart was almost impressive as his stats. Injury and illness plagued Mario his entire career. Many will argue that he was not the best player of all time. I would argue with this stat: the highest points per game average including playoff games belongs to none other than super Mario.

Mario Lemieux was the only player to score 5 goals in the same game in 5 different ways. 1) Penalty Shot, 2) Power Play Goal, 3) Short Handed Goal, 4) Even Strength, 5) Empty Net.

Now that Mario is retired I, as a lifelong Pittsburgh Penguins fan, am lucky enough to watch his protege, heir to the thrown, roommate, and friend....Sidney Crosby.

Cover 1: Mario's first retirement. This was in 1997, I think. Mario did return to the game leading the Pens to the playoffs again in the early 2000's. He was, at this point, single handedly saving hockey in the city of Pittsburgh.

Cover 2: Mario's amazing second Stanley Cup run. One in which he dominated the NHL with a broken wrist, most likely.

Cover 3: Miracle On Ice, perhaps Mario's best life accomplishment, his defeat of Hodgkin's disease. Mario stopped playing after his diagnosis with cancer, but later returned. As a kid growing up idolizing Mario I remember how devastated I was. But I also remember how he showed a nation to never give up. Super Mario.

Oh no, and I just realized there is no Sup-Category in Hockey for Mario. CW....really?