7. Hobey Baker

Hobey Baker was the first great American hockey star. Playing for Princeton in college, Baker dominated just about every facet of the game on the ice. Although statistics were not officially kept in the early 1900’s, it has been estimated Baker recorded over 120 goals and 100 assists in three seasons at Princeton – an average of three goals and three assist per game.

In World War I, Baker served with the 103rd Aero Squadron in France and was credited with three kills as a pilot. Due to his outstanding flying ability and leadership, he was given his own squadron of 26 planes and 180 soldiers. After the war ended, Baker requested an extension of his service due to uncertainty what to do with his life. In 1918, just hours before he was due to return home to America, a plane he was test piloting crashed, killing him.

Baker’s legacy as the best hockey player in his generation was shown through his selection as one of the nine initial members of the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1945 (and the first American). In addition to his hockey prowess, Baker was inducted to the college football Hall of Fame in 1975, the only person to be enshrined in both. He is also the namesake for the Hobey Baker Award, given annually to the best college hockey player in the nation.