Bobby Orr, who came into the world Robert Gordon Orr in Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada, on March 20, 1948, is considered one of the all-time greats in ice hockey. Despite having an injury-shortened career, Orr—who was well-known for his quickness, scoring skills, and ability to make plays as a defenseman—left an imprint on the National Hockey League (NHL). In his twelve seasons with the Boston Bruins and the Chicago Black Hawks, he changed the game of defensemen and won a ton of records and awards.
Learn more about this hockey legend; his biography, age, net worth, nationality, profession, wife, children, awards, and others.
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Who is Bobby Orr?
Bobby Orr is a retired Canadian ice hockey player, born on March 20, 1948, in Parry Sound, Ontario. Widely regarded as one of the greatest hockey players ever, Orr revolutionized the role of a defenseman with his exceptional skating speed, scoring ability, and play-making skills. He played 12 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL), mostly with the Boston Bruins, and briefly with the Chicago Black Hawks. Orr is the only defenseman to have won the NHL scoring title twice and holds records for the most points and assists by a defenseman in a single season.
Orr started playing hockey at a young age, initially as a forward before switching to defense, where his talent shone. His junior career with the Oshawa Generals led to his debut with the Bruins in 1966. He helped the Bruins win the Stanley Cup twice, scoring crucial goals in both finals. Despite suffering from severe knee injuries that eventually ended his career at the age of 30, Orr achieved numerous awards, including eight Norris Trophies as the best defenseman and three Hart Trophies as the most valuable player.
After retiring, Orr faced financial difficulties due to mismanagement by his agent but successfully rebuilt his life, becoming a player agent himself and engaging in charitable activities. He remains a celebrated figure in hockey, honored in various halls of fame, and remembered for his contributions to the game both on and off the ice.
At the age of eight, Orr started playing hockey in an organized league as a forward. But because of his extraordinary skating abilities, his coach Bucko McDonald decided to switch him to defense so he could have more influence over the game. By the age of twelve, Orr had caught the attention of NHL scouts due to his obvious talent. He signed with the Oshawa Generals, a junior team connected to the Boston Bruins, at the age of fourteen. Impressive goal-scoring and a string of all-star choices characterized his junior career, which resulted in a record-breaking 1965–66 season in which he led the Generals to the Memorial Cup final.
Orr joined the Boston Bruins in 1966; at the time, the team was having trouble rising to the top. His unmatched skating and special ability to create offensive rushes as a defenseman altered the course of play. Orr scored the game-winning goals in both of the Bruins’ Stanley Cup finals (1970 and 1972), helping the team win the Conn Smythe Trophy as the postseason MVP each time.
Among defensemen, Orr possessed unrivaled offensive ability. Having won the Art Ross Trophy twice as the league’s top scorer, he continues to be the only defenseman to do so. In addition, he owns the marks for the most points and assists a defenseman has in a single season. Orr’s accomplishments include three Hart Trophies (1970–1972) as the league’s most valuable player and eight straight Norris Trophies (1968–1975) as the NHL’s finest defenseman.
Knee problems dogged Orr’s career despite his achievements. His left knee could not be restored despite numerous surgeries, which finally caused him to retire early. Orr signed a free agent contract with the Chicago Black Hawks in 1976 after leaving Boston, but he was only able to play in 26 games over two seasons due to injuries. In 1978, at the age of thirty, Orr retired.
Orr has actively promoted the sport, coached, and worked with charities. He has been coaching a junior team in the annual CHL Top Prospects Game since 1996, training the hockey talent of future generations.
Orr’s legacy is honored in a number of ways, such as the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame in Parry Sound and a bronze statue honoring his game-winning goal in the 1970 Stanley Cup final in front of the TD Garden in Boston. A number of awards have been bestowed upon him, such as being listed among the “100 Greatest NHL Players” in 2017 and becoming the youngest inductee into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1979 at the age of 31.
Brent and Darren are Orr’s two children from his 1973 marriage to Margaret Louise “Peggy” Wood.
What is Bobby Orr’s age, height, and weight?
Bobby Orr is 76 years old, having been born on March 20, 1948. During his playing career, he was 6 feet (183 cm) tall and weighed 200 pounds (91 kg).
What is Bobby Orr’s Nationality and Ethnicity?
Bobby Orr is Canadian. His ethnicity is of Scottish and Irish descent.
What is Bobby Orr’s profession?
Bobby is a retired hockey defenseman who is considered one of the greatest hockey players of all time. He has worked as a player agent and in a variety of hockey-related capacities since ending his playing career.
| Team | League | Years Played |
|---|---|---|
| Boston Bruins | National Hockey League (NHL) | 1966 – 1976 |
| Chicago Blackhawks | National Hockey League (NHL) | 1976 – 1979 |
Who are Bobby Orr’s Parents?
Bobby Orr’s parents are Doug Orr and Arva Steele Orr. Doug Orr worked as a laborer and played hockey in his youth, while Arva Steele Orr was a homemaker.
Does Bobby Orr have siblings?
Yes, Bobby Orr has four siblings. He has two brothers, Ron and Doug Jr., and two sisters, Patricia and Penny. Bobby is the third child in the family.
Who is Bobby Orr married to?
Bobby Orr is married to Margaret Louise Wood. They got married on September 12, 1973.
Does Bobby Orr have children?
Yes, Bobby Orr has two children. He has a son named Darren Orr and a daughter named Brent Orr.
What is Bobby Orr’s Net Worth?
Bobby Orr has an estimated net worth of $35 million.
What philanthropic causes or charities does Bobby Orr support?
Bobby has engaged in numerous charity work, ranging from health to education.
| Charity/Organization | Description |
|---|---|
| Multiple Sclerosis Society | Bobby Orr has supported the Multiple Sclerosis Society, receiving recognition for his contributions. |
| Children’s Hospitals | Orr has visited and supported children’s hospitals, participating in fundraisers and events. |
| Other Charitable Activities | Bobby Orr has been involved in various charitable activities, including fundraisers and auctions. |
How many businesses does Bobby Orr own?
Bobby Orr owns or has owned a number of enterprises over his career. One prominent business venture is the Orr Hockey Group, a player agency that he established in 1996. The Orr Hockey Group represented professional hockey players and offered a variety of career-related services.
What brands and endorsements does Bobby Orr have?
Bobby has quite a number of brands and endorsements.
| Brand/Endorsement | Description |
|---|---|
| CCM Hockey | Bobby Orr has a longstanding relationship with CCM Hockey, appearing in advertisements and endorsing their hockey equipment and gear. |
| Chevrolet | Orr has appeared in advertisements for Chevrolet, often in conjunction with hockey-related campaigns, leveraging his iconic status in the sports world. |
| Coca-Cola | Bobby Orr has been featured in Coca-Cola advertisements, using his prominence in the sports industry to promote the brand. |
| Reebok | Orr has collaborated with Reebok on various marketing initiatives and endorsements, particularly related to hockey apparel and equipment. |
| Dunkin’ Donuts | Bobby Orr has been associated with Dunkin’ Donuts, appearing in advertisements and promotions for the popular coffee and donut chain. |
How much does Bobby Orr make annually?
Check for the salary history below.
| Season | Earnings (US$) | In today’s US$ | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1962-63 | $9,360 | $94,281 | Signed a C-Form with the Boston Bruins for a bonus of C$10,000, a new car, and home stuccoing. |
| 1966-67 | $30,000 | $281,695 | Signed a two-year contract with the Boston Bruins. |
| 1967-68 | $30,000 | $274,011 | Earned $25,000 salary plus a $5,000 bonus. |
| 1968-69 | $50,000 | $438,039 | Signed a three-year contract with the Boston Bruins. |
| 1969-70 | $67,750 | $562,798 | Base salary of $50,000 plus $17,750 in bonus money from NHL awards. |
| 1970-71 | $75,000 | $588,679 | Base salary of $50,000 plus a $25,000 bonus for winning the Stanley Cup. |
| 1971-72 | $222,000 | $1,670,620 | Signed a five-year contract with the Boston Bruins for $1M. |
| 1972-73 | $200,000 | $1,457,198 | |
| 1973-74 | $200,000 | $1,372,523 | |
| 1974-75 | $200,000 | $1,235,855 | |
| 1975-76 | $200,000 | $1,132,293 | Minnesota Fighting Saints offered him a $6.5M contract, which he declined. |
| 1976-77 | $500,000 | $2,677,034 | Signed a five-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks for $3M. |
| 1977-78 | $500,000 | $2,513,612 | Did not play due to injuries. |
| 1978-79 | $500,000 | $2,335,582 | Announced retirement in November 1978 due to injuries. |
How many awards has Bobby Orr won?
On an individual level, Orr’s most famous honors are the Hart Memorial Trophy, which he won an unprecedented three times in 1970, 1971, and 1972. This award, often regarded as the NHL’s most prestigious individual distinction, is presented yearly to the player deemed most important to his club. Orr also won the James Norris Memorial Trophy an astonishing eight times, recognizing him as the league’s best defenseman for his excellent defensive abilities and offensive contributions. He was key in helping the Boston Bruins to two Stanley Cup victories in 1970 and 1972.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Individual Awards | |
| Hart Memorial Trophy | 1970, 1971, 1972 (NHL MVP) |
| James Norris Memorial Trophy | 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975 (Best NHL defenseman) |
| Art Ross Trophy | 1970, 1975 (Most points in NHL) |
| Conn Smythe Trophy | 1970, 1972 (Playoff MVP) |
| Calder Memorial Trophy | 1967 (Best NHL rookie) |
| Lester B. Pearson Award | 1975 (Outstanding NHL player) |
| NHL First All-Star Team | 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975 (Selected as one of the best at his position) |
| NHL Second All-Star Team | 1967 (Selected as one of the best at his position) |
| NHL Plus-Minus Award | 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1974 (Best plus-minus in NHL) |
| Lester Patrick Trophy | 1979 (Outstanding service to hockey in the United States) |
| Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame | 1975 (Inducted) |
| Hockey Hall of Fame | 1979 (Inducted) |
| Order of Canada | 1979 (Appointed Companion) |
| Canada’s Walk of Fame | 1998 (Inducted) |
| Records | |
| Highest plus-minus rating, season | +124 (1970-71) |
| Most points by a defenseman, season | 139 (1969-70) |
| Most assists by a defenseman, season | 102 (1970-71) |
| Most goals by a defenseman, season | 46 (1974-75) |
| Most assists by a rookie defenseman, season | 38 (1966-67) |
| Team Achievements | |
| Stanley Cup Championships | 1970, 1972 (with Boston Bruins) |
| Record | Description |
|---|---|
| Highest plus-minus rating, season | Bobby Orr holds the record for the highest single-season plus-minus rating in NHL history, with +124 in the 1970-71 season. |
| Most points by a defenseman, season | Orr set the record for the most points by a defenseman in a single NHL season with 139 points in 1969-70. |
| Most assists by a defenseman, season | He holds the record for the most assists by a defenseman in a single NHL season, with 102 assists in 1970-71. |
| Most goals by a defenseman, season | Bobby Orr scored the most goals by a defenseman in a single NHL season, netting 46 goals in 1974-75. |
| Most assists by a rookie defenseman, season | Orr also set the record for the most assists by a rookie defenseman in a single NHL season with 38 in 1966-67. |
Did you know Bobby Orr was a skating prodigy?
Yeah, he laced up his skates at just four years old and was already showing promise on the ice. By the time he was 14, he signed a commitment to the Boston Bruins. Talk about an early start to a legendary career!
Hey, did you hear about Bobby Orr’s insane records?
Oh yeah, he’s got some mind-blowing stats! Orr holds the record for the highest plus-minus rating in a single season, with an unbelievable +124. Plus, he’s the only defenseman to lead the NHL in scoring, not once, but twice! That’s some serious blue-line domination.
What’s up with Bobby Orr’s playing style?
Well, he revolutionized the role of defensemen in hockey. Orr was known for his incredible speed, agility, and offensive skills. He practically redefined what it meant to play defense, often joining the rush and scoring goals like a forward.
Why did Bobby Orr retire so early?
Unfortunately, Orr’s career was cut short by knee injuries. Despite his incredible talent, he battled through numerous surgeries and eventually retired at just 30 years old.
What’s Bobby Orr up to these days?
These days, Orr stays involved in hockey through coaching and charity work. He’s passionate about giving back to the game that gave him so much. Plus, he’s a big supporter of youth hockey programs, ensuring that the next generation has the same opportunities he did.