The NHL great referred to in this crossword is Bobby Orr, a legendary Canadian ice hockey player who played for the Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks from 1966 to 1978. He was an eight-time All-Star and won two Stanley Cups with the Bruins. He was also awarded the Norris Trophy as the NHL's best defenseman eight times and the Hart Trophy as the league's most valuable player twice. He is widely considered one of the greatest players in NHL history.