Image via Complex Original
When it comes to sports, we like to think that no other country is seeing the United States. Yeah, there's that other “football” a.k.a. soccer, but besides that, we're No. 1. Right? American teams have even won the last 16 Stanley Cup Finals.
Well, it might not be that simple. There were a few Canadians on those Cup winning teams and Team Canada beat the U.S. in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Speaking of Vancouver, the Canucks are challenging America's Stanley Cup Finals streak as they battle the Boston Bruins in a heated series. The success of the Canucks got us thinking: Which Vancouver natives have repped for their city while also reigning over their sport? Well, wonder no more because from Steve Nash to Justin Morneau a number of the most well-known names in sports call the Terminal City home. Here are the Top 10 Vancouver Athletes of All Time.
10. Evander Kane
SPORT (YEARS): Hockey (2009-present)
REPPIN': Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
COMPLEX SAYS: We know what you're thinking: How can a guy that's only played two (injury-plagued) years in the NHL be even considered one of the greatest athletes to come out of Vancouver? Well, the answer to that question is real simple. There's too much hype surrounding the 19-year-old to ignore, hopefully he lives up to the it unlike [insert favorite draft fail here]. Or this dude.
9. Bob Lenarduzzi
SPORT (YEARS): Soccer (1970-1988)
REPPIN': Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
COMPLEX SAYS: Without a doubt, Lenarduzzi was a better coach than he was a player. In his first coaching job, Bob lead the Vancouver 86ers of the now-defunct Canadian Soccer League to four consecutive championships. Eventually he moved on and coached the Canadian National Team from 1993-1998. Nowadays, Lenarduzzi now stands as the current president of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC. We wonder if he has any interest in coaching the U.S. national team. That 4-0 loss to Spain in a "friendly" isn't going to cut it, Bob Bradley.
8. Milan Lucic
SPORT (YEARS): Hockey (2007-present)
REPPIN': Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
COMPLEX SAYS: In only his fifth year in the NHL, Lucic has gained a reputation for being one of the hardest hitters in the NHL. Born to Serbian parents who lived in East Vancouver when he was born, Milan is reppin' for Vancouver through and through...just not at this very moment.
7. Justin Morneau
SPORT (YEARS): Baseball (2003-present)
REPPIN': New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
COMPLEX SAYS: There hasn't been a baseball player that has quietly dominated the league quite like Justin Morneau. During the 2006 season, Morneau received his due shine by winning the American League MVP award. Even though we think Derek Jeter got snubbed, but we digress. The following year, Morneau didn't win the MVP award yet he still posted some pretty solid numbers to the tune of 31 homers and 111 RBIs. Dude truly speaks softly and carries a big stick. Pause.
6. Bob Houbregs
SPORT (YEARS): Basketball (1953-1958)
REPPIN': Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
COMPLEX SAYS: When we tell you that Bob Houbregs may be the best player you have never heard of, we're being dead serious. In his senior year at the University of Washington, Houbregs not only averaged 34.8 points per game in the NCAA Tournament but he also won Player of the Year honors. And even though his NBA career was short-lived, dude was still inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987. They say that you learn something new everyday, so...you're welcome.
5. Cam Neely
SPORT (YEARS): Hockey (1983-1996)
REPPIN': Comox, British Columbia
COMPLEX SAYS: Widely considered to be one of the best to ever play in the NHL, Neely quickly won over Boston fans with his scoring abilities and his unfuckwittable personality. After his playing career was done, Cam remained involved with the Bruins front office, and became the president of the team in 2010. So, while the guy can't do any wrong in Beantown, he also proudly reps his hometown of Vancouver. Cam Neely has definitely been bi-winning way before Charlie Sheen ever knew of the "word."
4. Paul Kariya
SPORT (YEARS): Hockey (1994-present)
REPPIN': Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
COMPLEX SAYS: Even though he may be best known for his Batman and Robin relationship with former Mighty Ducks of Anaheim teammate, Teemu Selanne, don't forget that Kariya is still one hell of a player in his own right. This fact was especially true when Kariya joined the Nashville Predators and set the record for assists and points in a season during the 2005-2006 campaign. Aside from all the statistical achievements, no one moment may be a greater achievement than what Kariya did during Game 6 of the 2003 Stanley Cup Finals. #beastmode
3. Larry Walker
SPORT (YEARS): Baseball (1989-2005)
REPPIN': Maple Ridge, British Columbia
COMPLEX SAYS: In the best season of his MLB career, Larry Walker became the first Canadian to win the MVP award in 1997 when he hit for a .366 batting average, blasted 49 homers, and had 130 RBIs. Those aren't bad stats when you consider that the strongest thing Walker's been accused of taking is a Granville Island Lager.
2. Joe Sakic
SPORT (YEARS): Hockey (1988-2009)
REPPIN': Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
COMPLEX SAYS: If you've never heard of Joe Sakic, you better get your head checked because many people consider Burnaby Joe to be one of the best to ever play in the NHL. Looking back at his career totals, 50 or more goals in a season twice, two Stanley Cup chips, 13 All-Star games, and one Olympic gold medal. Hova said it best.
1. Steve Nash
SPORT (YEARS): Basketball (1996-present)
REPPIN': Victoria, British Columbia (settled into Victoria after 18 mos.)
COMPLEX SAYS: Say what? How could anyone surpass Joe Sakic as the best player to come out of Vancouver? First the rep: In his prime, there was no other player—white, Canadian, long-haired, or otherwise—that you wanted handling the rock. Now the numbers: Homie won the NBA MVP award in back-to-back years and led the NBA in assists five times. And maybe if ol' Robert Horry hadn't forechecked him in a basketball game he'd have a Finals MVP as well.
