Happy Birthday to Le Gros Bill!

Birthday wishes to Canadiens legend Jean Béliveau, celebrating his 78th year today.

The Hall of Famer was born in Trois Rivières, QC and was the first of eight children.

He was wearing skates at age five. When it showed that the young Béliveau had a gift for hockey, his father built a small practice rink behind their house for him.

The rest, of course, is history.

Recently, I noted several of Mr. Beliveau’s accolades, both on and off the ice

I’ve added the Legends of Hockey series’ feature on the Canadiens legend where other Hall of Famers reminisce on their former teammate/opponent as well as comments from Beliveau himself.

Happy Birthday Mr. Beliveau!!